Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has started using artificial intelligence (AI) to prevent and control forest fires in various regions of the state, Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia informed the Assembly today.

Replying to a question, the minister said AI-based technology has been deployed to predict, monitor and prevent forest fires in forest areas. The system uses advanced tools such as bi-spectral 360-degree PTZ cameras, AI-driven data processing and analysis units, mesh networks and multi-level alert mechanisms.

Officials receive real-time alerts through SMS, WhatsApp, email and dashboards, enabling quicker response to fire incidents on the ground.

The AI-powered monitoring system has already been implemented in key forest divisions, including Similipal North and South Divisions in Mayurbhanj district, Hirakud Division in Bargarh district, Angul Division in Angul district, and Rourkela and Bonai Divisions in Sundargarh district.

The state government has spent approximately Rs 10.75 crore on the implementation of this technology.

Forest fires affected 4,067 hectares of forest land in 2024, which increased to 4,609 hectares in 2025, the minister informed.