Wayanad: Facing rising human-animal conflicts and changing forest dynamics, the Kerala Forest Department is launching a major modernisation drive, with Wayanad—a hotspot for such incidents—set to be one of the biggest beneficiaries.
The plan includes a tech and equipment overhaul, focusing on wildlife conflict mitigation, fire-fighting, aerial surveillance, animal tracking, and forest staff safety. Over 100 critical tools have been listed for procurement—ranging from cage traps, fire blowers, oxygen masks, and snake-catching devices to thermal night-vision drones and four-wheel-drive vehicles for hard-to-reach areas.
Currently, Wayanad operates with just five drones, a handful of cage traps, and limited fire-safety kits. Under the new initiative, 1,000 drones will be procured for the state, with Wayanad expected to receive about 100, ensuring each forest range is covered.
Three modern vehicles will also be added to the Rapid Response Team (RRT) in the South Wayanad Forest Division, said DFO Ajith K Raman. The funding will come from central and state sources, along with potential CSR contributions.
“We’re going beyond standard drones—these will be thermal imaging drones with night vision, essential for monitoring nocturnal animal movements,” Raman said. He stressed the urgent need for more cage traps, noting that all six existing ones are currently deployed, leaving the team vulnerable during emergencies.
In Sulthan Bathery, a damaged cage trap recently allowed a trapped dog to escape, underscoring the need for standby equipment.
Meanwhile, ₹1.3 crore has been sanctioned for the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary for drones, binoculars, gear, and a 4WD vehicle, said Sanctuary Warden Varun Dlaiya. He also confirmed a comprehensive Wayanad landscape plan is being developed for long-term forest management.