AI-Powered Cameras Save Elephant Family from Train Tragedy in Odisha
A family of elephants, including two adults and a calf, narrowly avoided disaster near Rourkela in Odisha’s Sundargarh district, thanks to artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The AI-enabled cameras, installed by the forest department, detected the elephants as they approached the railway tracks and issued an alert to the railway control room. This timely intervention allowed the train pilot to halt, averting a catastrophe.
Susanta Nanda, a retired Indian Forest Service Officer, shared a video of the incident on X (formerly Twitter). The footage showed the AI camera zooming in on the elephants and transmitting real-time updates, enabling rapid action.
“AI cameras capture and zoom in on elephants nearing railway tracks, sending alerts to the control room to stop the train. It’s gratifying to see solutions like this producing results,” Mr. Nanda wrote. He highlighted that the cameras were part of a pilot wildlife conservation project funded by Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP).
Plans are underway to extend the initiative to the Keonjhar and Bonai Forest Divisions, with hopes of achieving broader success in protecting wildlife.
Internet Applauds Innovative Use of AI
The video quickly gained traction online, amassing over 320,000 views and nearly 7,000 comments. Social media users praised the initiative, calling it a brilliant example of technology aiding wildlife conservation.
One user commented, “This is such a fantastic use of tech. Perhaps we can use it to catch poachers too!” Mr. Nanda responded that similar technology is already in use at Simlipal Tiger Reserve.
Another user wrote, “Amazing to see AI making a tangible difference for wildlife. Kudos to such innovative measures!”
High-resolution cameras, mounted on 12-foot towers, are already credited with saving the lives of dozens of elephants in the region. This pioneering effort demonstrates how technology can bridge the gap between infrastructure and conservation, ensuring a safer coexistence for wildlife and human activity.
