Drone cameras at Similipal soon

Baripada: The Similipal Sanctuary in Mayurbhanj district will soon be brought under the surveillance drone cameras.

According to reports, wildlife safety measures in Similipal sanctuary are all set to go high-tech as the authorities of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) are soon going to deploy drone cameras to keep a close watch on the movement and activities of all wild animals, including tigers as well as hunters at the sanctuary. In view of the safety of tigers, the Home and Urban development departments have given permission for flying of drones in the sanctuary.

Regional wildlife conservator Harish Chandra Bista said, "There is no facility to visit every nook and corner of the sanctuary. And it is difficult to walk into all the places of the sanctuary since it is a hilly area. In this case, drone camera will help to track and monitor the movement of animals and check illegal activities."

In the first phase, four drones will be used to cover the core and buffer areas of the sanctuary that has an area of 2750 square kilometers, said Similipal Tiger Reserve Deputy Director Ajit Satapathy.