Drones will soon be pressed into service in the hill state of Himachal for monitoring of wildlife, generating human-wildlife conflict hotspots and to check instances of forest fires.

The states Forest Department has decided to deploy drones in the forest areas of Himachal for tracking and monitoring purposes with an aim of better management and conservation of the forest and wildlife Resources of the state.

Out of a total geographical area of 55,673 square kilometres, Himachal has a forest area of 66.52 per cent (37,033 sq km) and a forest cover of 27.72 per cent (15,433.52 sq km), as per the India State of Forest Report 2019.

As per the Departments plan, drone technology driven information will also be used to monitor the Growth and survival rate of plantations in the state.