The Forest Department plans to install early warning systems to alert people about the movement of elephants in 13 conflict-prone villages in the district this month. The system is expected to cost Rs. 10 lakh. Coimbatore district had a forest boundary of 315km of which nearly 250km has been categorised as ‘conflict prone.’
District Forest Officer M. Senthilkumar told The Hindu that four of these units that work on infrared rays have already been installed at Amman Pudur (two units) Sirumugai Range, Jegganarai village in Mettupalayam Range, and Poonothuamman Temple in PN Palayam Range. The rest would be installed at Thadagam, and other nearby areas.
Under this system, infrared rays would pass between two pillars that will be installed near the conflict-prone areas.
They would be installed at a height of 10ft.
Any disruption in the rays would send SMS alerts to a set of mobile numbers including the local Forest Guard, Anti-Poaching Watcher, Foresters, and local community members.
Given their effectiveness in warning the local populace, the Forest Department has decided to expand this system this year. Since there is community participation in this project, this system has evoked a positive reaction from the villages.
