In News:

Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in India to implement an AI-based Real-Time Forest Alert System (RTFAS), marking a significant leap in leveraging technology for sustainable forest management.

Key Highlights

• The AI-based Real-Time Forest Alert System integrates satellite imagery, machine learning, and mobile app feedback for proactive forest monitoring.
• The system is currently being piloted in five forest divisions: Shivpuri, Guna, Vidisha, Burhanpur, and Khandwa—regions with high incidences of encroachment and deforestation.
• Developed using the Google Earth Engine, the system analyses multi-temporal satellite data to detect land use changes, such as:
  • Encroachment
  • Tree felling
  • Construction
  • Agricultural expansion

Features of the AI System (RTFAS)

• Custom AI Model: Detects forest degradation by comparing satellite images from three different dates.
• Real-Time Alerts: Sent to forest staff via a mobile application, enabling instant field verification with:
  • GPS-tagged photographs
  • Voice notes
  • Geo-fencing tools
• Interactive Dashboard: Displays live alerts categorized by beat and region with filters for area, density, and time.
• Data Enrichment: Includes indices such as:
  • NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index)
  • SAVI (Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index)
  • EVI (Enhanced Vegetation Index)
  • SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar)

Forest Status in Madhya Pradesh & India

• Madhya Pradesh:
  • Has the largest forest cover in India: 85,724 sq. km (India State of Forest Report 2023)
  • Also reported the highest deforestation: 612.41 sq. km lost in 2023
• India:
  • Forest and tree cover: 25.17% of total geographical area
  • Below the 33% target set by the National Forest Policy, 1988

Role of Technology in Forest Conservation

Application                                      Technology Used

Forest Monitoring                       AI + Satellite imaging (e.g., RTFAS)

Forest Fires                                      AI cameras, thermal sensors, satellite constellations (e.g., FireSat), drones

Encroachment Detection     Satellite alerts with 2–3 day response time

Human-Wildlife Conflict      AI camera traps, GPS tracking, RFID tags, geofencing

Afforestation                                 Green bots for planting and monitoring tree growth

Biodiversity Monitoring        Acoustic AI (e.g., Rainforest Connection), Environmental DNA (eDNA)

India’s Initiatives for Sustainable Forest Management

Government Initiatives:

• Green India Mission: Increased forest cover by 0.56% (2017–2021)
• National Agroforestry Policy (2014): Promotes tree farming on private lands
• CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund): Reforestation of diverted forest lands
• Trees Outside Forests in India (TOFI): Involves private stakeholders in increasing green cover

Community & Corporate Involvement:

• CSR-driven plantations by auto, cement, and energy sectors
• Agroforestry: Integrates timber, fruit, and medicinal plants with crops
• Carbon Credit-linked Afforestation