New AI alert system to protect forests in Madhya Pradesh: How it works, who built it

Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in India to launch an AI-based real-time forest alert system. The state forest department is using this new technology as a pilot project in five divisions to stop illegal encroachments and monitor forest changes.

The project is active in Shivpuri, Guna, Vidisha, Burhanpur, and Khandwa—areas known for tree felling and encroachments. The system is expected to expand statewide soon.

"This is the first time we're using satellite data, machine learning, and field reports together in one system. It's a major shift from our manual approach," said an official from the Forest Department.

What AI System Does?

The AI alert system uses Google Earth Engine to process satellite images taken at different times. It detects even the smallest changes—up to 100 square meters. A custom AI model flags potential land use changes, encroachment, or forest loss.

Once a change is detected, the alert is sent directly to field staff via a mobile app.

“This system empowers forest staff to monitor and take immediate action,” said Guna DFO Akshay Rathore, who developed the system. Rathore is an alumnus of IIT Roorkee.

Field officers receive alerts through a mobile app. They visit the location, verify the change, and upload real-time data. The app allows them to submit:

• GPS-tagged images

• Voice recordings

• Written comments

It also has tools like geo-fencing and distance measurement.

The project is backed by the Head of Forest Force, Aseem Shrivastava, and Additional Principal Chief Conservator of IT, B. S. Annigeri. Their role has been key in pushing for a tech-based solution in forest management.

The system includes a dashboard for the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO). Officers can track real-time data by date, area, and density of alerts. The dashboard updates live and displays alerts by beat and field post.

"This alert system doesn't just stop at detection. It improves itself over time through the feedback collected from the field," said Rathore.

Features and why it matters?

Each alert contains over 20 data points. These include:

• Changes detected by comparing three satellite images

• Detection of crop growth, new construction, or land clearing

• Enrichment of data using satellite indexes like NDVI, SAVI, EVI, and SAR

• Field verification with uploaded multimedia evidence

The process forms a continuous loop: detect → alert → verify → improve.

According to the Forest Survey of India (2023), Madhya Pradesh lost over 612 square kilometers of forest land. Until now, monitoring relied heavily on ground reports, which were slow and often late.

“This system gives us the ability to act quickly. We don’t have to wait for damage to become visible from the ground,” said a forest official.

With real-time alerts and instant feedback, the department hopes to catch illegal activities faster and reduce the loss of forest cover.

What’s Next

Although the project is still in its pilot phase, officials are hopeful about scaling it across the state.

“This system shows that technology and forest protection can go hand in hand. We’re watching the pilot closely and will make improvements before state-level rollout,” the official added.

The forest department sees this as a turning point in how forest conservation is managed in India.

Madhya Pradesh is setting a new benchmark in forest management by making real-time data, rapid alerts, and digital feedback part of daily monitoring. This tech-driven model might soon be adopted in other states if the pilot proves successful.

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