Forest dept looks to MP, goes hi-tech - DNA

The state forest department will soon go hi-tech in its protection activities in tiger reserves across the state. It has decided to equip forest officers in these reserves with personal digital assistants (PDA) to track wildlife offences and incidents like fires.

"Initially, the system will be implemented at Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve and Pench Tiger Reserve," said AK Joshi, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife). "After assessing its effectiveness, it will be extended to other reserves like Melghat and Sahyadri tiger reserves."

The state government has entered into an agreement with the Madhya Pradesh government for the technical know-how of the system.

The system, which has a camera, global positioning system (GPS), and data entry facilities, costs around Rs15,000 per unit. "We have estimated the cost to be Rs25,000, including the cost of training, server and computers," a senior official said.

The equipment is used in cases like forest fires, and other wildlife crimes. The department will initially purchase 75 units, 50 for Tadoba and 25 for the Pench reserve.

http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_forest-dept-looks-to-mp-goes-hi-tech_1319059