The Gujarat government is launching a ₹150-crore AI-driven Command and Control Centre in Gandhinagar to monitor Asiatic lions and endangered species in real-time to curb man-animal conflicts.

  • Establishment of a ₹150-crore Command and Control Centre (CCC) in Gandhinagar.
  • Integration of AI-based cameras, drones, and CCTV networks across Greater Gir and other habitats.
  • Focus on reducing man-animal conflicts and preventing railway fatalities for wildlife.
  • Special conservation efforts for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard in Kutch.

In a landmark move toward technological conservation, the Gujarat Government has announced the creation of a sophisticated Command and Control Centre (CCC) in Gandhinagar. This ₹150-crore project aims to modernize the surveillance of the state's diverse wildlife, with a primary focus on the Asiatic lion, but extending to sloth bears, blackbucks, and the Indian wild ass. Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia stated that the system is already being installed to provide live data feeds, enabling the forest department to respond to emergencies in real-time.

The initiative comes as a direct response to the rising frequency of 'man-animal' conflicts. In recent months, particularly in July, several fatal incidents were reported, including attacks on pilgrims and villagers in the Girnar and Amreli regions. By deploying a network of AI-based cameras and drones, the government intends to create an early warning system that alerts local residents when predators move toward human settlements.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that transitioning from traditional foot-patrols to an AI-integrated ecosystem is no longer a luxury but a necessity for Gujarat. As the lion population grows—now totaling 891 across 11 districts—the overlap between wildlife corridors and human habitation has increased. This project represents a shift toward "predictive conservation," where data can forecast conflict zones before they result in casualties.

The integration of AI in wildlife monitoring transforms passive observation into active prevention, potentially saving both human lives and endangered species.

The CCC will not operate in isolation. It will integrate data from existing high-tech networks, including the Western Railway's Intrusion Detection System (IDS). Between 2014 and 2024, 19 lions were killed by trains; however, the implementation of optic fiber sensing cables and AI monitoring has significantly reduced these fatalities in recent periods.

Beyond the lions, the state is fighting a desperate battle to save the Great Indian Bustard (GIB). Minister Modhwadia revealed that 100 hectares of land in Kutch have been secured for a second GIB chick, born via the jump-start method. With only three female birds remaining in Gujarat, the stakes for the CCC's surveillance capabilities are incredibly high.

The system will also assist in general forest management. By monitoring prey base fluctuations and vegetation overgrowth through high-resolution feeds, the forest department can optimize habitat maintenance and ensure the ecological balance of the Greater Gir and the Little Rann of Kutch.

Feature Traditional Surveillance AI-Powered CCC
Method Watchtowers, Beat Guards, Radio AI Cameras, Drones, Live Data Feeds
Response Time Delayed (Report-based) Real-time (Instant Alerts)
Scope Localized/Manual State-wide Integrated Network
Did You Know?: Gujarat is the only place in the entire world where the Asiatic lion exists in its natural wild habitat.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the cost of the AI surveillance project?
The Command and Control Centre project is estimated to cost ₹150 crore.

2. Which animals will be monitored by this system?
While the primary focus is on Asiatic lions, the system will also track sloth bears, blackbucks, and Indian wild asses.