Drone tracks jumbo activity- Kurseong Forest Division using the drone within the Kurseong forest division

MOHAN PRASAD, SNS, KURSEONG, 10 Dec 2020: For the first time in Darjeeling hills and its adjoining areas, a drone is being used to monitor the movemmt of elephants, other wildlife and even people in forest areas.

It is learnt that the Kurseong Forest Division has been using the drone at different sensitive  areas within the Kurseong forest division, mainly in the foothills of Kurseong, for the past few days.

According to the DFO, Kurseong, I Sheikh Fareed, they have been using the drone to keep an eye on elephant activities as well as to guide both the animals and local people on their movement. He said the foothills of the Kurseong Forest Division have been identified as the main traditional corridor for the elephants, while conflict between humans and elephants has been reported from these areas for several decades now.

"To stop or minimize this conflict, several measures have already been taken or are being taken by the forest department. And now, we are using a drone to track the elephants in the interest of both humans and wild elephants," Mr Fareed said.

According to him, every year, 100 to 150 elephants roam around the foothills for four to six months.

While the department has been using the drone only during the day time now, it has plans to put into service during the nights too.

"Presently, elephant squads and the drone are being used at certain places. We are using the drone with the help of an expert drone operator," Mr Famed said.

According to some local people and forest officials, the forest department can also keep an eye on illegal activities inside the forest areas with the help of the drone.