Punjab deploys thermal imaging tech to combat illegal tree felling, forest fires

LAHORE: The government of Punjab has deployed thermal imaging technology to control forest fires and to prevent illegal felling of trees. Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb informed on Thursday, that as per the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, “a 24-hour satellite surveillance system has been launched in Punjab’s forests using the latest thermal imaging technology.”

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She said that Punjab has become the first province to use the latest thermal imaging technology, adding that monitoring and night patrolling have also been started in the forests of Murree and Rawalpindi using thermal imaging.

“Thermal imaging will enable immediate notification of forest fires, felling of trees and illegal activities,” Aurangzeb said. “This modern technology allows to detected temperatures, [which will help in monitoring] all activities in the relevant area(s) and can be seen through satellite images and live feeds,” she added.

The senior minister informed that the project will be implemented by a team of artificial intelligence (AI) experts, and that thermal imaging will work with the latest algorithm.

“Like modern countries, this technology will also help us in the promotion of agriculture, animal husbandry and fishing projects,” Aurangzeb said.

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In addition to plantation, it will be of great help in the protection and promotion of wildlife and forest resources. “We will neither allow cutting of forests, nor arson will be allowed. Neither will there be illegal hunting [now]. These criminals who commit illegal activities will now be hunted with modern technology,” Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said.

She noted that the thermal technology will also be used for law and order. “Thermal imaging technology will be used to prevent criminal activities in both the cities and forests of Punjab,” Aurangzeb said.