In response to the increasing incidents of human-elephant conflicts, the Chhattisgarh Government has taken a significant step by launching a dedicated app to track elephant movements and provide timely alerts to nearby villagers. This initiative aims to mitigate such conflicts and ensure the safety of both humans and elephants.
Alarming Statistics Highlight the Urgency
Over the past five years, Chhattisgarh witnessed distressing figures, with 296 human fatalities caused by elephant trampling and 77 elephants losing their lives during clashes. Forest department officials point out that Chhattisgarh is home to more than 320 elephants, which migrate from neighbouring states like Odisha and Jharkhand in search of suitable habitats.
AI-Based Elephant Tracking and Alert App
The newly launched Chhattisgarh Elephant Tracking and Alert App utilises Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, leveraging inputs from dedicated Elephant Trackers, known as Hathi Mitra Dal. V Srinivasa Rao, the state’s principal chief conservator of forests, explains that the app complements the traditional method of Munaadi (proclamation by drum) used by trackers. Through calls and messages, villagers residing in affected areas receive alerts about the presence of elephants nearby.
Involving Hathi Mitras and App Trials
The Forest department has enlisted Hathi Mitras, individuals from affected villages, to actively track elephants, alert residents about their movements, and provide updates through WhatsApp. Casualties and crop damage are primarily concentrated in the Central and Northern parts of the state. The app was officially launched at EcoPark in Mechka village under the Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, following successful trials conducted in three districts.
Two-Part System for Efficient Tracking
The app functions in two parts. Firstly, Hathi Mitra Dal members utilise the ODK (open data kit) app to input elephant locations, herd names, behaviour observations, and other relevant details. The ODK app operates in both online and offline modes, ensuring real-time and near-real-time updates even when trackers are outside network areas. Secondly, the app registers the mobile numbers and locations of villagers residing in affected areas. Whenever elephants approach within a 10-kilometre radius of these villagers, they receive call, message, and WhatsApp alerts.
Ensuring App Security and Ease of Use
To prevent misuse, the app credentials are provided exclusively to forest department officials and approved volunteers from the wildlife wing. Villagers are not required to install the app; instead, they need to register their mobile numbers and locations through concerned beat guards and range officers.
Beyond Elephants – Research and Habitat Development
In addition to tracking elephants, the app can be utilised to monitor other carnivorous and omnivorous animals for research purposes, habitat development, and effective planning.
With the launch of this innovative app, the Chhattisgarh government is taking proactive measures to address the challenges posed by man-animal conflicts, safeguarding both human lives and the well-being of elephants.
