Wayanad, 21st February 2025: In an effort to enhance wildlife monitoring and conservation efforts, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) in partnership with the North Wayanad Forest Division, and with the support of Cambium Networks officially handed over wireless equipment comprising 2 base stations and 5 handsets to the frontline staff. 

The event took place earlier today at Gibbs Hall, North Wayanad Forest Division, Kerala on 21st February 2025. The event began with the Welcome Address delivered by Shajan M. A., Senior Field Officer at the Wildlife Trust of India, who expressed gratitude and set the tone for the gathering. This was followed by the Presidential Address from Ramith M., Manager at the Wildlife Trust of India, who shared key insights and emphasised the importance of collaboration and commitment to conservation efforts.

The Hon’ble Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes, Government of Kerala, Shri. OR Kelu inaugurated the function.  Shri. K. J. Martin Lowel IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Wayanad North Division, gave a keynote address, emphasising the importance of the initiative in human-wildlife conflict mitigation and supporting local wildlife conservation efforts.

This handover is a significant milestone in strengthening the technological infrastructure for wildlife conservation in North Wayanad | Photo by Team WTI

The Guest of Honour, Dr Deepu V, Director, Antenna Engineering Labs, Cambium Networks shared insights on the wireless technology and its role in enhancing conservation work. He also talked about the organisation’s CSR activities and how they have been supporting the people of Wayanad in managing human-wildlife conflict by equipping the forest department. 

Special recognition was given to Dr Deepu V and Dr. Rohith K. Raj, Associate Professor and Head of the Department, Electronics, Government College, Mananthvady, for their contributions to this initiative. Dr Rohith and his team have operationalised the equipment by providing technical expertise and will also be organising training sessions for the frontline staff. 

Shri. OR Kelu highlighted the challenges faced by the forest department in handling tiger conflicts, especially the difficulty of identifying the animal in dense vegetation. He noted that such conflicts are widespread across the country, with Gudalur experiencing even higher cases than Wayanad. He expressed hope that the equipment would aid the department in managing these situations more effectively.

Shri OR Kelu at the handing over of wireless equipment comprising 2 base stations and 5 handsets to the frontline staff | Photo by Team WTI

Shri. Ramith M, Manager & Project Head, Wayanad Conflict Mitigation Project, WTI, stated that the handover is a significant milestone in strengthening the technological infrastructure for wildlife conservation in North Wayanad. The wireless equipment provided will enhance surveillance, improve communication, and support the forest division’s efforts to protect the region’s rich biodiversity.

Shri K. J. Martin Lowel IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Wayanad North Division, expressed sincere appreciation for the invaluable support from Cambium Networks and the Wildlife Trust of India. He noted that their strong commitment helped overcome the challenges faced during the lengthy process of acquiring and configuring the equipment. The equipment will be effectively used by the frontline forest staff to reduce the negative impacts of human-wildlife conflict in Wayanad.

Dr. Deepu V, Director, Antenna Engineering Labs, Cambium Networks, explained that their efforts began in response to human-animal conflicts in Wayanad, with a three-stage intervention plan. The first phase involved installing Wi-Fi hotspots to help remote villages contact authorities during emergencies. The second phase, as part of their CSR efforts, includes funding VHF handheld radios and repeaters through the Wildlife Trust of India, in collaboration with the Department of Electronics, Govt College Mananthavady, Ham Radio Association Wayanad, Phase Amp Labs, and the Kerala Forest Department. By assembling world-class VHF repeaters at a lower cost, the goal is to establish a real-time war room for critical situations. In the future, they plan to reconfigure devices and develop high-gain antennas to improve animal tracking with radio collars.

Read more about WTI’s Wayanad Conflict Mitigation Project