Sat Feb 14 16:26:43 UTC 2026: # Tech-Driven Forest Fire Prediction Project Launched in Hosur

The Story:
WWF-India, in partnership with Microsoft, is implementing a technology-driven forest fire management project in the Hosur Forest division. This initiative, called “Tech for Conservation,” uses advanced geospatial and artificial intelligence techniques to predict forest fires in fire-prone areas. A demonstration of the project and a forest fire management training program were conducted for forest personnel, NGO members, and Village Forest Council presidents earlier this week.

Key Points:

  • The project, led by Dr. G. Areendran, analyzed data from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Karnataka.
  • A GIS-based analytical framework was developed using 13 years of historical data, including topographic parameters, climatic variables, and anthropogenic factors.
  • Analysis of Hosur Forest Division revealed persistent fire activity from 2012–2025, with shifts in hotspots observed in 2025.
  • Machine learning and deep learning approaches are used to generate future forest fire susceptibility maps.
  • An interactive dashboard provides decision-support to strengthen early warning systems and enhance fire preparedness.
  • A forest fire management meeting was held with over 70 participants, including frontline staff, NGO members, and Village Forest Council presidents, guided by K. Rajangam, IFS, Wildlife Warden, Hosur.

Key Takeaways:

  • Technology is increasingly being utilized for environmental conservation, specifically in predicting and managing forest fires.
  • Data-driven approaches, including AI and machine learning, are becoming essential tools for effective forest fire management.
  • Collaboration between organizations like WWF-India, Microsoft, and local forest divisions is crucial for successful conservation efforts.
  • The shift in fire activity patterns observed in 2025 in Hosur highlights the need for dynamic and adaptive fire management strategies.

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