In a move aimed at modernizing wildlife conservation, the Arunachal Pradesh government has introduced thermal drone technology to improve forest surveillance and monitoring across the state.
The initiative, rolled out by the Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, features a week-long practical training programme for frontline forest staff.
Experts from RNR Unmanned Aerial Systems Pvt Ltd are conducting the sessions to train personnel in advanced drone operations and real-time monitoring skills.
As part of the first phase, five thermal drones have been deployed in strategically wildlife regions, including Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve, Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Deomali Division, Nampong Division, and Itanagar Biological Park.
These drones are expected to significantly enhance surveillance in dense and inaccessible terrains, enabling authorities to track animal movement and detect illegal activities such as poaching, wildlife trafficking and forest encroachment.
With this step, Arunachal Pradesh becomes the third state in India, after Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, to adopt thermal drone technology for wildlife protection.
Also Read: Arunachal Pradesh Minister inspects 2 MW Ampani Hydropower Project in Anjaw
Forest and Environment Minister Wangki Lowang described the move 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.
Advisor to the Minister, Wanglin Lowangdong, described the initiative as timely, while officials noted that drones would aid in forest fire detection, habitat mapping, biodiversity monitoring, and anti-poaching operations.
The training programme is designed to build capacity among forest personnel in handling the technology, analysing data, and applying it effectively in the field to strengthen conservation efforts across Arunachal Pradesh.