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Odisha Deploys AI Cameras and Drones to Strengthen Forest-Fire Readiness

Officials say the upgrades aim to catch ignitions sooner after nearly 30,000 forest fire sites were recorded last year.

Overview

  • Newly appointed PCCF K. Murugesan announced the rollout of AI-enabled cameras and drones for early detection at a press conference in Bhubaneswar.
  • Authorities have fielded 334 dedicated protection squads at division, range, and beat levels, equipped with nearly 5,000 leaf blowers and safety kits.
  • District Action Plans are in place statewide, and about 20,461 km of fire lines have been created and maintained to limit the spread of fires.
  • The department has conducted awareness drives in 336 villages, scheduled more than 631 training programmes, and given specialised instruction to around 200 NDRF personnel.
  • Officials reported identifying about 29,709 fire sites last year and achieving a 99.7% response efficiency using satellite alerts, and they urged residents not to light fires in forests or on fringes.