Fri Mar 21 18:31:45 UTC 2025: ## Coimbatore Deploys High-Tech Surveillance to Mitigate Human-Elephant Conflict

**Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, March 22, 2025** – The Coimbatore Forest Division is employing advanced technology to reduce the escalating human-elephant conflict plaguing the region. Between 2011 and 2024, 185 people died in elephant attacks, while 207 elephants perished due to various causes, including human interaction. Over 14,962 incidents of elephants entering human settlements were reported between 2014 and 2021.

To address this crisis, the department has installed three towers equipped with thermal imaging and optical cameras in conflict hotspots. These towers, located in Maruthamalai, Ponnoothu Amman temple foothills, and Madukkarai, monitor elephant movements, providing real-time alerts to forest staff. The system, which boasts a 1km range and motion detection technology, has already shown success in reducing conflict in these areas. Upgrades incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) are under consideration.

Further initiatives include the use of drones. The department currently operates one drone with an optical camera, and is procuring another equipped with thermal imaging capabilities. The Tamil Nadu Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Corporation is also testing tethered and standard drones to enhance the existing AI-based early warning system in Madukkarai, addressing blind spots in surveillance.

The Asian Elephant Conservation Research and Conflict Management Centre in Coimbatore is playing a crucial role, mapping conflict zones and collecting data to develop innovative solutions for the state. The hilly terrain of the region forces elephants into populated areas, leading to crop raiding and confrontations, according to Assistant Conservator of Forests Vijay Kumar. The centre aims to collate data from across Tamil Nadu to develop comprehensive strategies for conflict mitigation.

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