Forest department mulls more technology to track health of animals

DEHRADUN: To enhance surveillance of wild animals and to monitor their health in the wake of possible transfer of coronavirus from humans to animals, state’s forest department is mulling more CCTV cameras and drones to keep a track on the health of wildlife. The move comes after Union ministry of environment and forest alerted authorities of all the zoo and national parks/sanctuaries to remain on high alert and keep track of the health of animals. “Our teams deployed in all parks and sanctuaries are active but we will make more use of technology to reduce their interaction with wildlife. The prime focus would remain on usage of drones, thermal cameras, and CCTVs at all the important locations,” said Harak Singh Rawat, Uttarakhand forest minister. Further, to increase vigilance across all the national parks and sanctuaries, more daily wage staff would be employed wherever necessary, the minister added. The forest department also aims to train youths for eco-tourism so as to facilitate the department and the villagers staying in forest fringe areas. “These people will not only get jobs but also help us in keeping a check on movement of animals and any incident,” added Rawat. Departmental officers also maintained that due to the ongoing lockdown, keeping the forest and wildlife safe from poachers and hunters has become a herculean task. Thus, technology addition will provide a major respite in this regard as well.“Due to the lockdown, some of the groups of hunters and poachers have become active. On Monday, six poachers in Chugadh forest area tried to shot at our staff members in Haldwani forest division. Hence, technology addition will be very beneficial for us in checking any illegal activity,” said a senior IFS officer.