1st AI System for Forest Fire Detection: Pench Tiger Reserve

The Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra has launched the first advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) system for early detection of forest fires, according to a statement  on June 26, 2024.

Location: Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

Context:

1. Forest Fires: Forest fires are a significant threat to wildlife and ecosystems, causing damage to habitats and loss of biodiversity.
2. Traditional Methods: Traditional methods of forest fire detection, relying solely on satellite-based alerts, have limitations, including false alarms and delayed response times.
3. Technological Advancements: The use of AI and advanced technologies in forest fire management is a significant step towards improving efficiency and effectiveness.

Key Points:

1. Advanced AI System: The Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra has launched an advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) system for early detection of forest fires.
2. Features: The system features a high-resolution camera with a visual range of 15 kilometers, covering over 350 sq km of the tiger reserve.
3. PTZ Camera: The pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera is installed on an existing tower on one of the highest hills of Pench, near the Kirringisarra village.
4. Control Room: The control room is located in the West Pench range office in Kolitmara.
5. Satellite Integration: 15 commercial satellite services are integrated into the system, providing real-time alerts of forest fires within 3 minutes.
6. AI-powered Platform: The platform, known as Pantera, leverages both camera feed and satellite-based data to provide accurate and reliable alerts.
7. Differentiation Ability: The AI system can differentiate between smoke and clouds, minimising false alarms and ensuring accurate alerts.
8. Infrared Feature: The system has an inbuilt infrared feature, enabling night-time detection of forest fires.
9. Data Analysis: The system receives data on temperature, precipitation, wind, etc. and analyses it with past fire incidence data to forecast probable future fire incidences.
10. Resource Management: The system can be integrated with water tanks, forest vehicles, etc. with GPS systems, enabling real-time tracking of resources and efficient fire management.
11. Collaboration: The project was implemented through joint collaboration between Pench Tiger Reserve, Satpuda Foundation, Umgrameio (Brazil), and Forest Fire Tech, a division of Scaale Inc, USA.
12. Funding: The project was funded by Solar Industries India Ltd, Nagpur, and the Maharashtra government.

Significance:

1. Improved Forest Fire Management: The AI system is expected to improve forest fire management practices, enabling swift detection and response efforts.
2. Protection of Wildlife: The system will help protect the diverse wildlife that inhabits the reserve by reducing the risk of forest fires.
3. Enhanced Efficiency: The system will enable real-time management of fire incidences, reducing the response time and increasing efficiency.

Pench Tiger Reserve Overview:

1. Location:

   1. Situated in the southern reaches of the Satpura hills.
   2. Extends into the Nagpur district of Maharashtra as a separate Sanctuary.

2. Pench River:

   1. The reserve takes its name from the Pench River, which flows north to south.

3. Park Composition:

   1. Comprises the Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park, the Pench Mowgli Sanctuary, and a buffer area.

4. The Jungle Book Connection:

   1. The area around the reserve is believed to be the real-life inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's famous work, "The Jungle Book."

5. Vegetation:

   1. Diverse mosaic of vegetation ranging from moist sheltered valleys to open, dry deciduous forests.

6. Flora:

   1. a wide variety of plant life, including teak, saag, mahua, grasses, and shrubs.

7. Fauna:

   1. Renowned for its large herds of Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Gaur, and wild boar.
   2. Key predators include tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and wolves.

8. Birdlife:

   1. Over 325 species of resident and migratory birds, including the Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Pitta, Osprey, Grey Headed Fishing Eagle, and White Eyed Buzzard.

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