Sundargarh, Feb 17: A major wildlife mishap was averted in Rourkela because of timely intervention of forest officials but all thanks to AI technology which played a pivotal role in detecting elephant movement and preventing a collision with trains.

According to reports, at around 1:33 a.m., four elephants were spotted crossing railway tracks in the Mahipani area under Rourkela Forest Division. However, the AI-powered cameras installed along elephant corridors alerted the forest department officials.

Acting swiftly, Rourkela Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) immediately informed the local forest staff and railway authorities, who then ensured that the trains were halted in time.

Following the intervention, trains were halted and a major mishap was averted.

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Over the past few years, the installation of AI cameras in elephant movement zones has proven highly effective. These systems have helped save elephant lives by providing real-time alerts. In one instance, footage captured more than ten elephants standing together near the tracks, prompting forest officials to alert railway staff and stop an approaching train, thereby preventing a potential disaster.

These intelligent systems use thermal imaging and motion sensors to detect elephants in real-time, providing early warnings to forest officials and railway personnel.