Similipal Tiger Reserve Deploys 50 Mini Drones to Combat Forest Fires
In a significant technological upgrade, the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) authorities in Odisha have inducted a fleet of 50 mini drones across both its north and south divisions. This strategic move aims to track real-time fire incidents that frequently plague the state's forests during the scorching summer months.
Enhancing Fire Detection Capabilities
According to STR officials, these mini drones will work in tandem with the existing AI-based fire detection cameras, creating a more robust and responsive monitoring system. The primary objective is to swiftly detect and access fire points, thereby significantly reducing the spread of flames before they can cause extensive damage to the fragile ecosystem.
STR Field Director Prakash Gogineni explained the critical advantage of drones over traditional satellite monitoring. "We receive satellite feeds related to active fire points, but satellites are limited to passing over a specific location only once every six hours. By the time a fire is detected via satellite and instructions are relayed to our field staff, the blaze has often spread considerably, despite our firefighting efforts," he stated.
Gogineni emphasized the efficiency of mini drones in terms of handling and operation. "Even our trained field personnel at the lower levels can now react swiftly. Upon spotting a minor flame or smoke via drone footage, they can immediately douse it, preventing it from escalating into a major conflagration," he added.
Training and Community Engagement
Similipal officials have completed comprehensive training, capacity building, and sensitization programs for local communities and panchayat members to address the persistent issue of forest fires. These incidents are predominantly reported between March and June each year.
To date this year, only two active fire points have been detected within Similipal. This marks a notable improvement compared to previous years. During the corresponding periods in 2025 and 2024, just 3 and 4 fire points were detected, respectively, largely credited to the effectiveness of the AI-based fire detection cameras.
However, the situation was considerably more severe in 2022 and 2023, with a higher number of fire incidents recorded. South Similipal, which serves as the deep core habitat housing approximately 90 percent of the reserve's big cats, remains a particularly critical area for protection.
Advanced Technology and Equipment
The smart camera technology, originally used to monitor forest fires in South America and Africa, has been installed atop five strategically constructed towers at vantage points within Similipal's core and buffer areas. This international technology, combined with the new drone fleet, represents a multi-layered approach to wildfire management.
Across the entire state of Odisha, a total of 969 fire points have been detected so far. Officials noted a positive trend, stating, "Incidents of fire are on the decline across the state's forests, owing to technology-driven detection and prevention measures. Moreover, Similipal, which spans an impressive 2,750 square kilometers, has reported a falling number of fire incidents consistently since 2021."
Modern Firefighting Gear and Human Factors
Forest personnel are now equipped with modern firefighting equipment, including:
- Mechanized blowers
- Specialized boots and hand gloves
- Protective eye shields and helmets
- Fluorescent jackets for enhanced visibility
Forest officials highlighted that most forest fires in the state are man-made and become rampant during the summer season. A common practice involves villagers burning dry leaves that accumulate on the ground to facilitate the collection of mahua flowers. Unfortunately, this process often leads to the forest catching massive fire, despite the fact that mahua flowers themselves are not flammable.
The integration of mini drones, AI cameras, trained personnel, and community awareness initiatives underscores a comprehensive strategy to safeguard one of India's most vital tiger reserves and its surrounding forests from the devastating impact of wildfires.
