Latest news with #TamilNaduBiodiversityConservationandGreeningProject
New Indian Express
11-07-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Tamil Nadu forest department to focus on tribal skill development
DHARMAPURI: The forest department will conduct after-school programmes for 400 tribal students and provide training to 50 men and women from 22 tribal hamlets across the district under the Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Conservation and Greening Project, to improve the livelihood of tribal residents. The Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Conservation and Greening Project, an initiative undertaken by the forest department in collaboration with JICA, aims to strengthen biodiversity and promote the planting of trees on private lands. District Forest Officer, K Rajangam, said, "Since 2024, we have been conducting special training for students. We have enrolled 400 students from 22 tribal areas and are providing abacus classes, Montessori education and other hands-on training. Further, in Vathalmalai, we have set up special TNPSC courses after 12 tribal students expressed interest in pursuing competitive exams." A forest staff member said, "Apart from education, we are also providing training as a means to improve livelihood. So far, 25 men have been given driving classes, and after obtaining their licences, they are engaged in a special programme. However, our primary focus is on women's empowerment, and so far, 25 women have completed 45 days of training and are now engaged in advanced embroidery courses. Further, upon completion of their courses, we would also aid them in marketing their products and improving their livelihood." On Thursday, the Tribal Welfare Office began a two-day special training camp to educate the Forest Rights Committee members and tribal residents on the Forest Rights Act, 2006. Under this programme, a total of 1,044 tribal residents from Dharmapuri and Harur revenue divisions have been selected.
Hans India
31-05-2025
- Hans India
TN Forest Dept deploys high-tech drones to boost wildlife monitoring and fire management
Chennai: In a major technological upgrade, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department is introducing advanced drones to strengthen its operations in wildlife monitoring, forest fire control, and anti-poaching efforts. The initiative, supported by the Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Conservation and Greening Project Climate Change Response (TBGPCCR), will see the deployment of these drones across 13 territorial forest circles in the state. I. Anwardeen, Chief Project Director of TBGPCCR, said the newly procured drones are equipped with cutting-edge features, including a 48-megapixel wide-angle camera, a thermal sensor with zoom capability, and GPS integration, making them highly effective for both daytime and night-time operations. One of the primary objectives of this drone deployment is the real-time tracking of elephants. By monitoring their movements, the drones can help alert nearby villages when elephants stray close to human settlements, reducing the risk of human-wildlife conflict. The GPS functionality enables precise and timely alerts, enhancing response time for forest officials. The drones will also be instrumental in tackling forest fires. Their thermal sensors can identify the origin of fires, determine the spread, and assess whether the affected areas are accessible to ground teams. Post-fire surveys conducted using aerial footage will provide critical insights into damage sustained by tree species, wildlife, and small mammals, aiding in effective restoration and rehabilitation strategies. Beyond surveillance, the drones support various add-ons such as searchlights, loudspeakers, and laser range finders—tools that significantly enhance their utility in complex terrains and emergency scenarios. These features allow forest teams to carry out diverse operations with greater efficiency and accuracy. 'These drones are transforming the way we work in the field. Tasks that would earlier take up to 20 days of manual labour can now be completed in just a few hours,' said Anwardeen. To ensure efficient use of the new technology, the department will train three staff members from each forest circle to operate the drones. This capacity-building initiative aims to develop a skilled in-house team of drone pilots across the state. Additionally, the department is planning to procure a separate class of drones dedicated to mapping forest terrains, studying ecological diversity, modelling topography, and analysing various forest types.
