AI-Powered System to Safeguard Asiatic Lions on Railway Tracks in Gujarat
In a significant move to protect the endangered Asiatic lions, Western Railway has sanctioned an advanced artificial intelligence-based intrusion detection system (IDS). This innovative technology will be deployed to monitor lion movements near railway tracks, specifically covering a 115-kilometer stretch in the Damnagar-Pipavav section of the Bhavnagar division in Gujarat.
Ministerial Announcement in Rajya Sabha
The decision was officially disclosed in a written reply presented in the Rajya Sabha on Friday by the Union Minister for Railways. This response addressed a query from Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani, who inquired about potential plans for constructing an elevated rail corridor through the Gir forest to enhance protection for the lions.
The minister clarified that instead of an elevated corridor, multiple safety measures are being implemented. He stated, "For the safety of wildlife in Gir forest, apart from the existing two underpasses for lion movement, construction work for five more lion underpasses was taken up in the lion landscape." Additionally, the approval for the AI-based IDS marks a proactive step towards leveraging technology for conservation efforts.
How the AI Detection System Works
The AI-based intrusion detection system is engineered to generate real-time alerts for key railway personnel, including loco pilots, station masters, and control room operators. These alerts will notify them of lion movements in close proximity to the railway tracks, enabling timely preventive actions to avoid accidents and ensure the safety of both the wildlife and train operations.
The existing railway network passing through the Gir forest area is a metre gauge (MG) section. To further mitigate risks, trains are operated at reduced speeds in identified lion corridors, adhering to strict safety protocols designed to protect the fragile ecosystem.
Enhanced Coordination Between Railways and Forest Department
To streamline efforts and address issues effectively, committees have been established at multiple levels—circle, divisional, and range—to foster coordination between the railways and the forest department. These committees meet on a regular basis:
- Circle committees convene quarterly.
- Divisional committees meet bimonthly.
- Range committees hold monthly meetings.
The government has emphasized that issues discussed during these meetings are resolved proactively by the railways, ensuring a collaborative approach to wildlife conservation and railway safety. This integrated strategy underscores a commitment to balancing infrastructure development with environmental protection in the critical habitat of the Asiatic lions.
