Keeping wild elephants from straying into human habitations is getting a high-tech upgrade along the fringes of the Sabarimala forests. The Forest department has deployed artificial intelligence to track animal movement and alert residents in some of the worst-affected areas of the Ranni Forest Division.
An AI-based camera system is now operational at three locations frequently hit by elephant incursions. The cameras can detect animals up to 200 metres away, trigger alarm, and send alerts to mobile phones of local residents and forest officials, along with the animal’s location.
The cameras use infrared technology to detect movement and can emit different sounds to alert residents and deter elephants. Footage is also relayed to a computer at the forest range office, allowing officials to pinpoint the animal’s location and reach the spot quickly.
Two cameras have been installed at Olikkallu in Vadasserikkara and another at Kodamala, according to Ranni Divisional Forest Officer N Rajesh. Each unit costs ₹3.15 lakh, with the project funded by ₹10 lakh sanctioned by NABARD under an innovative project.
“If the system proves successful, the network will be expanded to other areas,” Mr. Rajesh said.
Officials said the AI system was being tested after conventional measures such as solar fencing, electric fencing, and trenches failed to provide complete protection.
“The Vadasserikkara region, including the town, is now under constant threat of elephant incursions. We are trying all possible measures to contain this problem,” an official said.
Elephant herds often reach inhabited areas by following riverbanks. They sometimes enter the river and cross over to the other side and move onto farmlands. In some places, the animals also knock down river embankments to clear a path into human settlements.
The department is also strengthening physical barriers along the Kottayam–Pathanamthitta border. A 17-km solar fencing network is being established by the Kanamala and Ranni-Karikulam forest stations, covering areas including Pampavali.
A 4.5-km stretch is nearing completion, while tendering is under way for additional stretches at Naranamthodu, Arayanjilimannu, Kurumbanmoozhy and Manakkayam.
Another 4.5-km hanging fence is being built along the Pampa river banks, from Perunthenaruvi in Pathanamthitta district to Idakadathy in Kottayam district near Pampavali. The barrier is designed to prevent elephants that enter the river in search of water from crossing into inhabited areas. The fencing costs about ₹11 lakh per kilometre.
Published – October 01, 2026 07:00 am IST
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