Bhopal: In a pioneering step towards forest conservation, Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in India to pilot an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based real-time forest alert system.
The initiative leverages satellite imagery, mobile-based field feedback, and machine learning to detect land encroachment, land use changes and forest degradation, marking a major leap in proactive forest management.
Pilot Project in Five Sensitive Forest Divisions
The AI-based system is currently being implemented on a pilot basis in five forest divisions — Shivpuri, Guna, Vidisha, Burhanpur, and Khandwa — which have reported frequent cases of tree felling and land encroachment. The project aims to eventually scale up to cover the entire state.
This system is expected to revolutionise forest monitoring through continuous observation and prompt field verification. The alerts generated are based on changes detected in satellite images, enabling field staff to take immediate corrective action.
Technology Built on Google Earth Engine and AI
The alert system operates using the Google Earth Engine, which analyses multi-temporal satellite data to track land use changes. A custom-built AI model identifies variations in land use, such as changes in vegetation, the appearance of construction, or shifts in agricultural boundaries.
Alerts are then sent directly to field officers via a mobile application, where forest staff can verify them through on-ground inspections. The system’s AI continuously improves over time with field feedback, ensuring more accurate predictions and detection.
Guna Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Akshay Rathore, who conceptualised the system, explained that it is the first time the forest department has integrated satellite data, AI algorithms, and mobile-based field reporting in a seamless cycle. The approach enables constant refinement and real-time responsiveness.
The project is being implemented with leadership support from the Head of Forest Force (HoFF) Aseem Shrivastava and Additional Principal Chief Forest Conservator of IT, B.S. Annigeri.
Advanced Features for Real-Time Monitoring
Each alert generated by the system includes over 20 data points. These include polygon-based alerts, GPS-tagged field photos, voice notes, and survey comments from the mobile app. Data is enriched with remote sensing indices such as NDVI (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index), SAVI, EVI, and SAR.
Forest officers have access to a live dashboard that categorises alerts by field posts and beats, with filters for date, area, and vegetation density. The mobile app also supports features like geo-fencing, GPS tracking, and distance measurements, streamlining the field survey and reporting process.
This AI-enabled initiative positions Madhya Pradesh at the forefront of smart forest governance in India, empowering staff with actionable intelligence for better conservation outcomes.
