In a significant move to enhance wildlife protection and traffic management, the Karnataka government has launched a comprehensive CCTV surveillance system along the national highway passing through the ecologically sensitive Bandipur Tiger Reserve. The installation of 110 high-resolution cameras marks a crucial step in balancing infrastructure needs with conservation priorities.
Comprehensive Surveillance Network Deployed
The Forest Department, in collaboration with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), has strategically positioned 110 CCTV cameras along the 25-kilometer stretch of National Highway 766 that cuts through the Bandipur forest. This sophisticated monitoring system became operational in early December 2023, providing round-the-clock surveillance capabilities.
Each camera is equipped with advanced features including night vision technology and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems. The surveillance network covers the entire forest stretch from Gundlupet to Tamil Nadu border, ensuring complete monitoring of vehicular movement through this critical wildlife habitat.
Addressing Multiple Conservation Challenges
The primary objective behind this extensive surveillance initiative is to prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions that have claimed numerous animal lives over the years. Bandipur Tiger Reserve, home to significant populations of tigers, elephants, and other endangered species, has witnessed several tragic incidents where animals were killed or injured by speeding vehicles.
According to forest officials, the cameras will help enforce the night traffic ban that has been in place since 2009. The ban, which prohibits vehicular movement between 9 PM and 6 AM, was implemented to reduce disturbance to nocturnal wildlife but has faced challenges in consistent implementation.
Beyond wildlife protection, the surveillance system will monitor other critical aspects including:
- Prevention of illegal activities such as poaching and smuggling
- Detection of traffic violations including overspeeding
- Monitoring of unauthorized stopping and littering
- Enhanced security for both wildlife and commuters
Operational Framework and Future Plans
The CCTV control room has been established at the Bandipur Tiger Reserve headquarters, where forest officials monitor live feeds and recorded footage. The system automatically alerts authorities about violations, enabling quick response and enforcement actions.
Forest Department officials emphasize that the surveillance data will be crucial for identifying repeat offenders and taking appropriate legal action. The cameras have already started generating valuable data about traffic patterns and potential risk zones within the forest stretch.
This initiative represents part of a larger strategy to modernize conservation efforts in Karnataka's protected areas. The success of the Bandipur surveillance project could serve as a model for similar installations in other tiger reserves and national parks facing similar challenges of highway traffic through ecologically sensitive zones.
The implementation of this high-tech surveillance system demonstrates Karnataka's commitment to leveraging technology for wildlife conservation while addressing the practical needs of transportation infrastructure. As human-wildlife conflict issues become increasingly complex, such innovative solutions offer hope for more harmonious coexistence between development and conservation priorities.
