AI cameras deployed in Chakulia to tackle human-elephant conflict
The Forest Department has introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based surveillance technology in Chakulia forest range of East Singhbhum district to help prevent human-elephant conflict and improve the safety of villagers.
AI-enabled cameras and surveillance towers are being installed at 14 elephant-sensitive locations. Installation has been completed at nine sites, while work at the remaining five locations is in its final stage. The system is being installed by Tamil Nadu-based Advantage Safe Life.
The AI cameras are designed to detect elephant movement from a distance of around five kilometres. Some reports have indicated a detection range of up to seven to eight kilometres, depending on conditions. Once an elephant or herd enters the designated surveillance area, the system identifies the movement and automatically activates an alarm installed on the tower, alerting people in nearby villages.
Unlike conventional surveillance cameras, the system uses machine learning and computer vision technology to specifically identify elephants while ignoring humans and other animals. The system is also designed to operate at night, enabling round-the-clock monitoring.
A control room has been established at the Forest Department office in Chakulia New Market to monitor the camera feeds and alerts. Company engineer Jai Rao said the alarm would operate automatically once the system becomes fully active.
The Forest Department has identified 14 villages for the project, including Kalsimung, Chauthia, Maurbeda, Rajabasa, Purnapani, Kaliyam, Machadih, Jamua, Harinia, Sardihah, Siyalbinda, Muturkham, Bhadua and Benasholi. Several surveillance towers are around 40 feet high.
Chakulia has long remained vulnerable to human-elephant conflict, with herds frequently entering the area from neighbouring West Bengal. According to figures cited by the Forest Department, 43 people were killed and 37 injured in the area between 2017 and May 2026. Elephants have also caused extensive damage to crops and houses.
Apart from AI cameras, the department is working on measures such as solar fencing, the Abua Hathi app and other early-warning systems. Similar AI-based surveillance systems are also planned for the Dalma and Chandil forest areas.
Forest officials and local residents expect that timely alerts will enable villagers to move to safer locations and take precautions before elephants enter populated areas. The initiative is being seen as a technology-based approach to reducing human-elephant conflict in Jharkhand.