Drones to ground patrols, Telangana mounts full-scale strategy against forest fires

Hyderabad: The forest department has mounted an extensive, technology-driven response that combines early warning systems, large-scale field deployment and preventive works. With ₹35.5 crore earmarked, officials say the integrated strategy has already cut reported fire points by about 50% compared to last year, with monitoring and response now functioning round-the-clock from forest ranges to a central control cell. "Fire management is being handled as a season-long operation. Prevention, detection and response are all being strengthened together, with field staff and local communities working in tandem," principal chief conservator of forests (head of forest force) C Suvarna said. On the preventive front, the department maintained 21,739 km of fire lines and dug 11,000 km of peripheral trenches. Surveillance infrastructure has been expanded with 73 watch towers erected at strategic vantage points. Firefighting equipment, including blowers, rakes, spades and fire beaters, has been supplied along with protective gear such as safety clothing, boots and helmets. Two thermal drones procured in 2024-25 have been stationed at the Amrabad Tiger Reserve and Kawal Tiger Reserve to detect hotspots and track fires at an early stage. A state fire monitoring and control cell now operates 24 hours, receiving complaints and alerts via helplines (1800 425 5364, 1926) and a dedicated WhatsApp number. On the ground, 45 quick response teams with vehicles have been deployed in vulnerable ranges during peak months. The department is also using 174 base camp watcher units, each comprising five members, along with more than 200 animal trackers in wildlife areas.