India's Environment Ministry adopts AI, drones, GIS to curb wildlife conflict

A Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, discussed deploying modern technologies to address rising human‑wildlife conflict in India. The panel highlighted the use of Geographic Information Systems, artificial intelligence, drones, radio telemetry and predictive analytics to develop species‑specific mitigation strategies, noting that elephants remain the primary challenge while tigers, leopards, bears, rhinoceroses, wild boars, gaurs and primates also cause incidents.

The committee stressed an integrated approach that combines technology with ecological conservation and community participation, calling for stronger frontline forest staff, improved compensation mechanisms, expanded public awareness and greater involvement of local communities. It also announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence on Human‑Wildlife Conflict at SACON's WII South Centre in Coimbatore, a national institution for research, innovation and policy support, and referenced the launch of a National Human‑Wildlife Conflict Portal on July 10.