In a remarkable development, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department has launched an AI and machine learning-enabled surveillance system to prevent elephant deaths on railway tracks in Coimbatore, India. The system was unveiled by Forest Minister M Mathiventhan in Madukkarai, Coimbatore district, in response to the increase in Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) in the region. Factors such as the rising elephant population, disturbances in migration corridors, increased developmental activities along animal migratory paths, changes in land use patterns, agricultural practices, and anthropogenic pressure have contributed to the surge in HEC cases.
The Coimbatore forest division is home to seasonal migrant elephants who move from Nilgiris and Sathyamangalam to forest areas in Kerala. Specific locations such as Walayar, Bolampatty, Anaikatti reserve forest, Gopinari reserve forest, Hulical, Jaccanari slopes, Nilgiris Eastern Slope reserve forest, Soolakkarai, Singapathy, and Iruttu Pallam blocks are some of the preferred retreats for these elephants during the rainy season. However, the proximity of railway tracks to these areas has resulted in tragic accidents, with 11 elephants losing their lives to train collisions since 2008, including young calves and juveniles.
Despite the considerable efforts of forest officials, the number of such incidents could not be significantly reduced. Thus, the implementation of an AI-enabled autonomous surveillance system became imperative. After a field investigation, a seven-kilometer-long railway track was identified as the most vulnerable, and the government allocated Rs 7.24 crore for installing the artificial intelligence system.
The AI-based surveillance system consists of 12 high towers fitted with thermal and normal cameras strategically installed along the track in Bolampatti Block-I forest. These towers are positioned 500 meters apart, providing 150 meters coverage on either side of the track for early detection of animal movement. The data sensed by the cameras is automatically transmitted to a control room, where it is processed in real-time. Forest department staff and technical teams monitor the animal movement and promptly inform loco pilots through calls, SMSes, and alerts. Hooters and digital display alerts are also placed near the track for loco pilots' convenience.
This AI-enabled system not only helps prevent accidents, but it also generates valuable data on elephant movement, behavior, individual profiling, and further morphological and behavioral studies. This information will aid in making informed decisions and implementing necessary measures to mitigate future risks. Additional Chief Secretary Supriya Sahu shared a short film on the project, highlighting its effectiveness. She explained that the alert mechanism has been divided into three zones - Red, Orange, and Yellow - based on the projected distance between the track and elephants, with the Red zone being the closest. Each zone will have a different system of alerts.
The launch of this AI-enabled surveillance system in Coimbatore marks a significant step forward in protecting elephant populations from tragic accidents on railway tracks. With the integration of technology and wildlife conservation efforts, the government and forest department are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of these majestic creatures. This groundbreaking initiative demonstrates the power of AI and machine learning in addressing complex environmental challenges, reminding us of the importance of innovation and collaboration in safeguarding our natural world.
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