Itanagar, April 30, 2026: The Government of Arunachal Pradesh has introduced high-tech thermal drones and launched a specialised training programme for frontline forest personnel to modernise surveillance and strengthen wildlife monitoring and rescue operations.
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| Officials and forest personnel attend the launch of a thermal drone initiative and training programme for frontline staff under the Arunachal Pradesh Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department in Itanagar. (Image: facebook.com/MyGovArunachalPradesh) |
The initiative, rolled out by the Arunachal Pradesh Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, includes a week-long hands-on training programme conducted by experts from RNR Unmanned Aerial Systems. The training aims to equip field staff with advanced drone operation skills and real-time monitoring capabilities.
In the first phase, five thermal drones have been deployed across key wildlife locations, including Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve, Deomali Division, Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Nampong Division, and Itanagar Biological Park.
Officials said the drones will enhance surveillance in dense and difficult terrains, enabling authorities to track wildlife movement and detect illegal activities such as poaching, wildlife trafficking, encroachment, and other forest offences.
With this rollout, Arunachal Pradesh has become the third state in India, after Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, to adopt thermal drone technology for wildlife monitoring.
State Forest and Environment Minister Wangki Lowang described the initiative as a major step towards modern and scientific forest management.
“We are steadily moving towards adopting modern tools in managing our forests and wildlife. The introduction of thermal drones marks a new era in forest management,” he said, adding that the technology would help reduce human-wildlife conflict through early detection and timely intervention.
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Adviser to the minister Wanglin Lowangdong appreciated the support of Rajiv Pemmasani and his master trainers for assisting the department in implementing the programme.
Meanwhile, PCCF and CEO of State Authority CAMPA N Tam said the drone technology would help monitor larger forest areas, detect forest fires early, and strengthen surveillance against illegal activities.
Officials added that the training programme will focus on drone operation, data interpretation, and real-time applications in wildlife rescue, anti-poaching operations, habitat mapping, biodiversity monitoring, and encroachment detection.
