Bhubaneswar, Oct 30: Wildlife in Odisha’s world heritage-recognised Similipal landscape is set to receive enhanced protection, with the state government announcing plans to install 300 additional AI-powered surveillance cameras to prevent illegal hunting and monitor suspicious activities inside the forest.

The initiative aims to strengthen wildlife conservation and keep round-the-clock surveillance on poachers and illegal intruders. The scheme, named CMGROW (Chief Minister’s Grant for Research on Odisha’s Wildlife), has been launched to improve wildlife protection in the state.

Under the initiative, another 300 AI-enabled surveillance cameras will be installed across the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR). Currently, 300 such cameras are operational. With the addition of the new cameras, the total number will increase to 600.

Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia said the advanced surveillance system would play an important role in preventing wildlife poaching and tracking the movement of animals inside the forest.

AI Cameras to Monitor Forest Activities 24/7

The AI-powered surveillance camera system was first introduced on a trial basis in Similipal in October 2024. The forest department aims to install cameras across 50 per cent of the reserve’s 1,375 monitoring grids.

Measuring approximately 147 mm × 38.3 mm, these compact cameras are strategically placed along routes frequently used by poachers and other intruders.

The cameras can distinguish between humans, animals and other objects and immediately send alerts to a 24-hour control room whenever suspicious movement is detected. They are also capable of operating at night, enabling continuous monitoring even in low-light conditions.

Apart from preventing poaching, the technology can also detect forest fires. The AI system identifies smoke and immediately alerts authorities, potentially enabling a response up to four hours earlier than satellite-based information.

More Than 110 Intrusion Incidents Detected

According to Similipal Tiger Reserve Field Director Dr Prakash Chand Gogineni, the AI-powered camera network has already helped detect more than 110 cases of unauthorised intrusion into the reserve.

Official figures also indicate significant enforcement action against poaching activities.

Between 2023-24 and 2025-26:

* 323 poachers have been arrested.

* 269 firearms have been seized.

* Around 100 firearms have been voluntarily surrendered.

To further strengthen intelligence gathering and wildlife protection, the Similipal Wildlife Intelligence Network has also been established.

Stronger Security for Similipal’s Wildlife

With the installation of another 300 AI-enabled cameras, authorities expect surveillance coverage across Similipal to improve significantly.

The technology is expected to help forest officials track suspicious movements, prevent illegal entry, detect forest fires at an early stage and protect endangered wildlife.

The expansion of AI-based surveillance is part of the state’s broader efforts to strengthen conservation and ensure safer habitats for wildlife in Similipal.