Highway passing via Dir gets speed monitoring system to save lions
- The Gujarat forest department has installed a high-tech speed monitoring system as well as thermal and optical cameras along a 1-km stretch of state highway 26.
Highlights:
New Speed Monitoring System in Gir National Park:
- To ensure the safety of both wildlife and humans on roads within Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (GNPWLS), the Gujarat forest department has implemented a high-tech speed monitoring system.
- This system, part of a pilot project, is installed along a 1-km stretch of State Highway 26 and includes 54 cameras and 20 LED display units.
Advanced Technology for Wildlife Protection:
- The system features 16 thermal and optical cameras, eight pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, and four automatic number-plate recognition (ANPR) cameras. These cameras detect thermal signatures of animals, birds, and vehicles.
- If wildlife is detected on the road, the system alerts drivers to slow down. Additionally, speed guns display vehicle speeds on LED units, while ANPR cameras capture vehicle registration details.
Purpose and Impact:
- The project, costing around ₹1 crore, aims to reduce the risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions. Although incidents of roadkills are lower in Gir compared to other protected areas, the high vehicular traffic, especially during festivals and tourism seasons, poses a threat.
- The system is designed to prevent any potential accidents, ensuring the protection of not only lions but also other mammals in the area.
Future Expansion and Benefits:
- If successful, the Gir Speed Monitoring System (GSMS) could be expanded to other parts of the sanctuary.
- The system is inspired by a similar initiative in Kaziranga National Park and has already shown promising results. Beyond preventing accidents.
- Mohan Ram, Deputy Conservator of Forests of Sasan Wildlife Division and superintendent of GNPWLS, said the GSMS would also help in tackling wildlife crime.
Prelims takeaways:
- Kaziranga National Park
- Gir National Park