DEHRADUN: The Haldwani Forest Division has demonstrated what it describes as India’s first Artificial Intelligence-based Forest Acoustic Surveillance System, designed to detect illegal logging, poaching and human intrusion across remote woodland areas in real time.
The indigenous system combines AI, edge computing, acoustic sensors and LoRa-based communication (a long-range wireless technology designed to send small amounts of data over very long distances using very little power).
It can continuously monitor forest sounds and send alerts from locations where conventional mobile networks are unavailable. Powered by solar energy and rechargeable batteries, the surveillance units can function round the clock in forests without grid electricity.
Haldwani Divisional Forest Officer Kundan Kumar said the technology could provide an effective alternative to surveillance systems that rely heavily on physical patrols and periodic inspections.
“Unlike traditional surveillance systems that depend largely on manual patrolling and periodic inspections, the Forest Acoustic Surveillance System functions as an intelligent ‘digital ear’ inside the forest,” Kumar told TNIE. “The AI-powered acoustic sensors continuously analyse sounds generated within the forest ecosystem and automatically recognise events of security and ecological importance,” he added.
The system has been trained to identify the sound of chainsaws, axe chopping, gunshots and vehicles. It can also detect human intrusion, wildlife vocalisations and other suspicious activities.
When a target sound is detected, the AI analyses it locally on an edge device. An alert is then transmitted through the LoRa communication network to the forest control room, allowing field teams to respond quickly.
“Whenever such events are detected, the AI analyses the sound locally on edge devices and instantly transmits an alert through the LoRa communication network to the Forest Control Room,” Kumar said.
He added that the mechanism would enable the rapid deployment of field personnel and significantly reduce response time. Officials said the system could strengthen surveillance in vulnerable forests, protected areas and wildlife habitats.
Early detection is expected to help curb illegal tree felling, timber smuggling, poaching and other wildlife crimes while improving the safety and efficiency of frontline staff.
The technology also has applications beyond forest enforcement. By recognising the calls of different species, it can continuously record wildlife presence, movement and habitat use.
Data generated by the platform could support biodiversity assessments, ecological research, habitat management and long-term conservation planning, officials said. Its modular design will allow future integration with camera traps, drones, GIS-based monitoring platforms, forest fire warning systems and central command-and-control centres.
The department envisages developing a wider “Smart Forest Surveillance Network” by linking these technologies. Developed specifically for Uttarakhand’s forest conditions, the project seeks to address surveillance challenges posed by difficult terrain, poor connectivity and delayed reporting of offences.
Officials said the demonstration marked an important step towards technology-driven forest management, with AI supporting — rather than replacing — frontline personnel in protecting forests and wildlife.