Syllabus:

GS 3: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

Context: 

Recently, Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in India to implement an AI-based real-time alert system for active forest management on a pilot basis. 

About AI-based Forest Management System

• The Madhya Pradesh forest department plans to use this AI-based alert system to help stop deforestation as part of its new conservation efforts.This groundbreaking initiative uses satellite imagery, machine learning, and mobile feedback to detect land encroachment, land use changes, and forest degradation more effectively.
• The system operates using the Google Earth Engine, which analyses multi-temporal satellite data to identify significant changes in land use through a custom-built AI model. 
• This innovative system is being implemented under the leadership of the Head of Forest Force (HoFF) and with the institutional support of the Additional Principal Chief Forest Conservator of IT. 
• An Indian Forest Service officer has developed a machine learning tool that uses satellite images.
• The project was conceptualised and led at the field level by Guna Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Akshay Rathore, marking a historic step in integrating advanced technology with forest management in India.
• This integrated approach marks a major step forward in forest governance, combining satellite data, artificial intelligence , and field-level feedback into a continuous, self-improving cycle.
• It is capable of detecting changes in areas as small as 10×10 meters.
• When the AI detects a potential change, an alert is sent directly to the field staff via a mobile application. 
• This AI system generates alerts every 2-3 days, which is a significant improvement over Karnataka’s 21-day alert frequency model.
• Each alert contains over 20 features, including polygon alerts triggered by pixel-level changes, and requires on-site verification. 
• Field staff can respond by uploading GPS-tagged photographs, voice notes, and comments through the app, ensuring timely ground-level confirmation.

Data Enrichment and Empowering Field Staff 

To improve the accuracy and depth of analysis, the system incorporates various vegetation and radar-based indices, such as

• NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index)
• SAVI (Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index)
• EVI (Enhanced Vegetation Index)
• SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar)

A live monitoring dashboard at the Divisional Forest Officer's (DFO) level displays real-time alerts. These alerts are categorised by forest beat and field post, with filters available for date, vegetation density, and affected area. 

The mobile application used by field staff supports the submission of comprehensive survey data, including images, GPS coordinates, and voice recordings. 

It also offers advanced tools like geo-fencing and distance measurement, enabling better spatial awareness and planning for on-site actions.

Implementation in Sensitive Regions

• The AI-based alert system is currently being piloted in five sensitive forest divisions: Shivpuri, Guna, Vidisha, Burhanpur, and Khandwa of Madhya Pradesh.. 
• These regions have historically reported high incidents of encroachment and tree felling, making them ideal for testing this proactive system.

India’s Initiatives for Forest Management 

• National Agroforestry Policy: The Government of India introduced the National Agroforestry Policy in 2014 to promote tree plantation in farmland.
• Green India Mission: It is a key part of India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). The mission aims to protect, restore , and enhance India’s forest cover while tackling climate change.
• Forest Fire Prevention & Management Scheme: It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme that supports states and Union Territories in preventing and controlling forest fires.
• Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY): It was launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Tribal Co-operative Marketing Federation of India (TRIFED), to improve the livelihood of tribal communities by enhancing the value of forest produce.