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Pench Tiger Reserve's AI System for Forest Fire Detection

The Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra has launched an advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) system for early detection of forest fires, marking a significant technological advancement in forest conservation efforts.

Technological Advancements in Forest Fire Detection

Introduction to the System: The AI system, launched on June 26, 2024, features a high-resolution PTZ camera with a 15-kilometer visual range, covering over 350 sq km of the reserve. The camera is installed on a tower situated on one of the highest hills near Kirringisarra village.
Satellite Integration: The system integrates alerts from fifteen commercial satellite services, providing a pioneering approach to forest fire management. The AI platform, Pantera, uses both camera feeds and satellite data to deliver real-time alerts within 3 minutes.
Differentiation and Accuracy: The AI system can distinguish between smoke and clouds and features Infra-Red capabilities for 24×7 detection, minimizing false alarms and ensuring accurate and reliable alerts.

Benefits and Impact on Forest Fire Management

Real-time Data Analysis: The system receives data on temperature, precipitation, and wind, allowing it to forecast probable fire incidences based on past data. This enables proactive fire control planning.
Resource Integration: The system can be integrated with water tanks and forest vehicles equipped with GPS, allowing real-time tracking and management of resources during fire incidents.
Improved Response Efforts: The swift detection and alert mechanism is expected to substantially improve forest fire management practices, enabling rapid response efforts to protect vast forest areas and the diverse wildlife within the reserve.

Collaborative Efforts and Implementation

Collaborative Implementation: The project is a joint effort between Pench Tiger Reserve, Satpuda Foundation, Umgrameio (Brazil), and Forest Fire Tech (Scaale Inc, USA).
Funding and Support: Funding for the project was provided by Solar Industries India Ltd, Nagpur, and the Maharashtra government.
Anticipated Outcomes: The forest department anticipates significant improvements in fire management practices, with the potential to save vast forest areas and protect wildlife through swift and effective response measures.

Types of Forest Fire

Surface fires: Surface fire is the most common forest fires that burn undergrowth and dead material along the floor of the forest.
Underground fires: The fires of low intensity, consuming the organic matter beneath and the surface litter of forest floor are sub-grouped as underground fire.
Ground fires: There is no clear distinction between underground and ground fires. The smoldering underground fire sometime changes into ground fire.
Crown fires: Crown fire is the most unpredictable fires that burn the top of trees and spread rapidly by wind.

Fact Box: India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021

35.46% of India's forest cover is susceptible to forest fires.
Of this, 2.81% are extremely prone, 7.85% are very highly prone, and 11.51% are highly prone.
India's 45–64% of forests will be impacted by changing climate and rising temperatures by 2030.

UPSC Mains Questions

Q. Examine the importance of integrating satellite data and AI technology in environmental conservation efforts. How can these technologies be effectively utilized to address other environmental issues?

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