MUSTANG: Forest patrolling using AI-powered drone technology has begun in Mustang for the first time.
The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), Area Conservation Office in Jomsom, said the technology is being used to monitor forests, highland pastures, and remote grazing areas across the district.
While drone technology has previously been used in Mustang for filming movies, documentaries, festivals, and other audiovisual productions, ACAP has now introduced AI-enabled drone cameras specifically for forest surveillance.
The technology is being deployed to monitor forests in difficult terrain and high-altitude regions with sparse human settlements.
Sanjog Thakali, Senior Natural Resources Conservation Assistant at ACAP Jomsom, said the drones are being used to protect forests and forest products within the conservation area, as well as to control illegal activities such as wildlife poaching and unauthorized exploitation of natural resources.
According to Thakali, patrols have been conducted in areas including Lupra Lenk in Waragung Muktikshetra Rural Municipality–1, and Bhrapsa and Namkhu Lenk in Gharapjhong Rural Municipality. ACAP Jomsom is also using the drones for surveillance during the Yarsagumba harvesting season.
The AI drone patrols are intended to prevent illegal activities by Yarsagumba collectors, detect wildlife poaching through traps set in forests and high-altitude regions, and reduce the risk of forest fires.
According to ACAP Jomsom, the drone weighs 1,063 grams and can travel distances of 15 to 20 kilometers at altitudes of up to six kilometers. It can fly at speeds ranging from 90 to 97 kilometers per hour.
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