Bhubaneswar, June 26: In a major step towards mitigating human-elephant conflict, the Forest Department has deployed thermal drone cameras to monitor elephant movement, particularly during the night.
The advanced thermal imaging technology enables forest officials to detect and track elephant herds even in complete darkness, allowing them to respond swiftly and alert nearby villages before the animals enter human settlements.
Officials said the initiative is expected to significantly reduce incidents of human-elephant conflict, which often occur after sunset when visibility is poor. The real-time surveillance will also help forest personnel manage elephant movement more effectively and prevent accidental encounters.
The thermal drones are also expected to discourage unsafe practices adopted by villagers to drive away elephants. In many areas, people often throw burning torches or fireballs at elephants during nighttime, posing serious risks to both humans and wildlife. With improved monitoring and timely intervention, the Forest Department aims to prevent such incidents while ensuring the safety of both local communities and elephant populations.
Authorities believe the use of thermal drone technology will strengthen wildlife conservation efforts and provide a more effective, non-invasive approach to managing elephant movement in conflict-prone regions.
