Interview Times 
FEATURE: Deep within the forests of Sundargarh district, a quiet revolution is unfolding. At the crossroads of tradition and technology, Jashabanta Sethi, the Divisional Forest Officer of Rourkela Forest Division, stands at the helm. His innovative leadership and commitment to wildlife safety are setting new benchmarks in conservation, seamlessly blending cutting-edge AI tools with time-tested forest management practices. This is the story of how one man’s vision is transforming peril into protection, ensuring harmony between development and nature.
A Steward of the Wild
Jashabanta Sethi has emerged as a changemaker in Odisha’s efforts to harmonize development and wildlife conservation. With years of experience in forest management, he is known for his strategic mindset and unwavering dedication to safeguarding wildlife. As DFO of the Rourkela Forest Division, he oversees a critical landscape rich in biodiversity, ensuring the coexistence of human activities and natural ecosystems.
Situated in the northwestern corner of Odisha, Rourkela Forest Division sprawls over 2,777 square kilometers, encompassing portions of Sundargarh, Panposh, and Bonai sub-divisions. The region is not only rich in biodiversity, with elephants frequently moving between forest patches like Sana Parbat and Tainsar, but it also overlaps with the bustling Bandhamunda-Barsuan railway track. This intersection between wildlife and human activity has historically led to tragic encounters, with 36 elephants succumbing to train hits in the past decade. That is, until technology and teamwork turned the tide.
The Turning Point
On a serene Saturday evening, the tranquility of the Rourkela forests was momentarily disrupted. A herd of 28 elephants, including calves, was spotted ambling along the Bandhamunda-Barsuan railway track. In the past, such an occurrence could have spelled disaster. However, this time, technology intervened. A strategically placed Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based thermal camera detected the herd’s movement, capturing images and precise location details. These inputs were promptly relayed to the control rooms of both the forest department and the railway authorities. Thanks to this rapid information relay, the incoming goods train was delayed by 30 minutes, allowing the elephants to cross safely.
Speaking about this lifesaving initiative, Jashabanta Sethi explained, “As soon as we received the image and location, immediate coordination was undertaken with the railway authorities. The decision to hold the train at the nearest station in Lathikata ensured the safety of the elephants.” What followed was a seamless operation: the forest officials monitored the herd’s progress using the AI camera’s 360-degree capabilities, ensuring all the animals safely traversed the track.
A Technology-Driven Future
This incident showcases the transformative power of technology in wildlife conservation. Jashabanta Sethi, a staunch advocate for integrating technology into forest management, highlighted the significance of AI-based thermal cameras. Installed on a 12-foot-high tower at a strategic location, the camera uses its high-resolution capabilities to detect the movement of large animals, even in dimly lit conditions. The success in Rourkela mirrors earlier results from the Similipal Tiger Reserve, where similar devices helped combat poaching effectively.
Beyond Technology: The Human Factor
While AI cameras have undoubtedly revolutionized conservation efforts, it is the quick decision-making and dedication of officers like Jashabanta Sethithat make these initiatives truly impactful. Known for his proactive approach, Sethi’s leadership ensured smooth coordination between multiple stakeholders—a hallmark of effective wildlife management. From guiding his team to deploying resources efficiently, his actions reaffirm the critical role humans play in technology-driven solutions.
Sethi’s conservation philosophy is deeply rooted in his beliefs, where animal life holds unparalleled value. A passionate advocate for nature, he equates a long walk in the wilderness to the tranquility of meditation, seeing it as a pathway to inner peace. Sethi emphasizes that research, far more than administrative measures, is the cornerstone of sustainable conservation efforts. “Research is the cornerstone of effective conservation,” he asserts, pointing to the necessity of evidence-based strategies to safeguard and sustain the natural world. Central to his ethos is the principle of thoughtfulness and serenity, which he regards as essential for meaningful action. Sethi also underscores the importance of leading by example, offering a life of integrity and purpose as inspiration to others. His advice to the masses is straightforward yet impactful: work diligently and contribute selflessly to the betterment of society, for the ultimate mission of conservation aligns with serving humanity.
Moreover, Sethi believes that peace of thought is fundamental, viewing it as an inner compass guiding all actions. Setting examples for others holds significant value in his life, as he strives to inspire by demonstrating commitment and integrity. For the masses, his advice is simple yet profound: work hard and contribute to society. He emphasizes that the primary motive of any endeavor should be to uplift the community and ensure a better future for all.
A Safer Path Forward
The successful use of AI technology to prevent a tragedy on the tracks marks a significant milestone in Odisha’s wildlife conservation journey. It is a testament to what can be achieved when innovative tools are combined with the dedication of changemakers like Jashabanta Sethi. As plans to expand the use of such cameras across critical zones in the state gain momentum, the dream of a safer and more harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife edges closer to reality.
In a world where technological advancements often lead to encroachments on nature, efforts like these stand as a beacon of hope—reminding us that when wielded responsibly, technology can serve as a guardian, ensuring that the tracks of progress do not derail the journey of nature.
