Itanagar, Apr 29: In a significant step towards modernising forest surveillance, the Arunachal Pradesh government on Wednesday introduced high-tech thermal drones to strengthen wildlife monitoring and rescue operations, along with launching a specialised training programme for frontline forest personnel.
The initiative, rolled out by the Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, includes a week-long hands-on training led by experts from RNR Unmanned Aerial Systems Pvt Ltd. The programme aims to equip field staff with advanced drone operation skills and real-time monitoring capabilities.
In the first phase, five thermal drones have been deployed across key wildlife areas, including Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve, Deomali Division, Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Nampong Division, and Itanagar Biological Park. The drones are expected to enhance surveillance in dense and inaccessible terrains, helping authorities track animal movement and detect illegal activities such as poaching, wildlife trafficking, and encroachment.
With this rollout, Arunachal Pradesh becomes the third state in India, after Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, to adopt thermal drone technology for wildlife monitoring.
Forest and Environment Minister Wangki Lowang described the initiative as ushering in a “new era” in forest management. “We are steadily moving towards adopting modern and scientific tools in managing our forests and wildlife. The introduction of thermal drones is a significant step in that direction,” he said.
Highlighting the growing instances of human-wildlife conflict, the Minister noted that the technology would enable early detection and timely intervention, reducing risks to both human lives and wildlife.
Advisor to the Minister, Wanglin Lowangdong, termed the initiative timely and acknowledged the support of Rajiv Pemmasani and his RNR Unmanned Aerial Systems master trainers’ team. He also appreciated the department’s push towards adopting advanced tools for managing conservation challenges.
PCCF and CEO, State Authority CAMPA, N Tam, lauded the Wildlife Wing for adopting advanced drone technology, noting its potential for monitoring larger forest areas, early detection of forest fires, and improved surveillance against illegal activities.
Additional PCCF Debendra Dalai highlighted the wide-ranging applications of drones, including habitat mapping, biodiversity monitoring, and detection of encroachments.
Officials informed that the training programme will focus on drone operation, data interpretation, and real-time application in wildlife rescue, anti-poaching operations, and habitat assessment.