“My love towards the forest actually started out of empathy and emergency.”
In the dense forests of Chhattisgarh, where human-elephant conflicts have been a growing concern, Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Varun Jain has pioneered an innovative solution using artificial intelligence (AI).
Since the launch of the Chhattisgarh Elephant Tracking and Alert System, the region has witnessed a dramatic reduction in casualties, proving that technology can bridge the gap between conservation and human safety.
The rising concern of human-elephant conflict
Elephants were not originally native to Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh. They migrated from Odisha, introducing a new challenge for local communities unfamiliar with handling their presence. “Elephants are a new concern for villagers, and they did not know how to react when they entered their habitat,” says Varun Jain, Deputy Director of the reserve.
Traditionally, the Monabhi alert system was used, in which a Kotwar (a village messenger) beat drums and used a microphone to warn villagers of approaching elephants. However, in April 2022, a tragic incident highlighted the limitations of this method. An elephant unexpectedly changed direction, entering a village that had not been warned in time, leading to three human casualties within 24 hours.
“It was my first time witnessing a human fatality, and I was there for the post-mortem,” Varun recalls. “It was a turning point for me. I realised we needed a faster, more reliable alert system.”
Bringing AI into the picture
Determined to find a technological solution, Varun and his team developed a basic application in February 2023. The system collected elephant movement data from foot patrolling teams and shared it with villagers via WhatsApp.
However, Varun soon connected with Kalpvaig Technologies, a Ghaziabad-based startup, which suggested automating the process using AI. The collaboration resulted in the ‘Chhattisgarh Elephant Tracking and Alert System’, formally launched in June 2023.
How does it work?
“Foot officers use an ODK (Open Data Kit) app, a free Google tool, to identify elephants and track their movements, herd details, faecal matter, pug marks, and damages,” shares Om Prakash Rao, a beat forest officer. Since connectivity in the jungle is poor, the data is stored offline and syncs once network access is available.
Foot patrol officers are crucial in this process. These officers, often working in risky conditions, navigate dense forests and confront potential elephant encounters to gather real-time data. “There have been times when we have escaped a massive attack,” shares Om Prakash. Their efforts ensure accurate tracking, forming the backbone of the AI system.
The recorded data is processed using Quantum GIS (QGIS), an open-source mapping software which plots elephant movements and sets a 10-km buffer zone around the location.
AI automatically sends alerts via SMSs, calls, and WhatsApp messages, to registered villagers, local leaders, and forest department officials in at-risk areas. “They don’t have to install any app; they just need to register their mobile numbers,” Varun explains.
Despite automation, Monabhi is still carried out manually as a second line of defence, ensuring those without phones or network access are also informed.
One of the major challenges in tracking elephants is the absence of radio collars in this region. While some areas use GPS-enabled thermal collars to track elephant movements, Chhattisgarh does not implement this due to logistical constraints and the cost involved.
“These collars are usually put on the female elephant of the herd, which is the leader. But elephants are very intelligent; they manage to remove the collars in about two months,” shares Varun.
As a result, manual screening by foot patrolling officers remains the most viable option, with the Government placing greater emphasis on improving ground surveillance. “In the absence of GPS collars, we rely heavily on our forest teams’ vigilance and data collection to make real-time decisions,” says Varun. “Their role is irreplaceable in this ecosystem.”
Saving lives and understanding elephant behaviour
Since the introduction of the AI-powered system in February 2023, no human fatalities have been reported for 22 months — a significant drop from the previous annual average of five to six deaths. “We did have one casualty in December 2024, but the family was intoxicated and unable to escape despite receiving an hour’s warning,” Varun shares.
Beyond saving lives, the system has also enhanced elephant tracking and behavioural analysis. By mapping herd movements, officials identified preferred corridors, allowing them to strategically plant bamboo and fruit-bearing trees to deter elephants from entering villages in search of food.
“For instance, a herd named ‘Chanda’ migrated from Odisha to Chhattisgarh, then to Madhya Pradesh, and finally settled in Maharashtra. Tracking such movements with the help of other divisions, helps us plan better conservation efforts,” Varun adds.
Despite its success, Varun believes more can be done. His team is now working on vibration sensors to detect elephant movements based on the low-frequency seismic waves elephants generate. “Elephants communicate within a 10-15 km radius using vibrations. If we can capture these signals, we could predict their movements even before they enter villages.”
True solution? Addressing the root cause
While AI has played a role in mitigating conflicts, Varun stresses that the root cause must be addressed. Habitat destruction, poaching, and artificial hazards like electrocution and explosives (potash bombs) have increased elephant aggression.
“A poacher once set up a potash bomb for wild boars, where it resembles a firecracker but it is coated with fish flakes or hen’s intestine. But a baby elephant ingested it instead causing the bomb to blast on the elephant’s face. It roamed in pain for a month before succumbing to injuries. That same elephant caused the December 2024 casualty,” he recounts. “This shows that human actions are often the underlying cause of conflict.”
Encouraged by the success in Chhattisgarh, Varun has begun educating officials in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand on adopting the system. The cost-effectiveness of the app — only Rs 1.5 lakh per year per forest division — makes it a viable solution for other elephant-affected regions.
The reward of conservation
For Varun, the most fulfilling aspect of his work is saving human lives and fostering goodwill between villagers and forest officials. “Our tiger reserve is also a Naxal-affected zone, limiting ecotourism opportunities. But through this initiative, we’ve built trust with the community.”
While AI provides an innovative solution, Varun emphasises that conservation requires a multi-pronged approach — one that balances technology with traditional knowledge, local engagement, and habitat restoration. “Neither a wild animal nor a human should be killed. That is our ultimate goal.”
With continued innovation and collaboration, his work offers a blueprint for human-wildlife coexistence, proving that technology, when used thoughtfully, can make a real difference in conservation efforts.
Edited by Arunava Banerjee; All images courtesy Varun Jain
