Coimbatore, 12th August 2025: The Tamil Nadu Forest Department, in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and NTT DATA, a leading provider of digital business and IT services, proudly launched the Hostile Activity Watch Kernel (HAWK) during the World Elephant Day 2025 celebrations held in Coimbatore.

The event was graced by Thiru Kirti Vardhan Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Tmt. Supriya Sahu, IAS, Addl. Chief Secretary, Environment, Climate Change & Forests, Government of Tamil Nadu, Thiru Srinivas R. Reddy, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), Thiru Rakesh Kumar Dogra, IFS, PCCF & CWLW and Sushil Kumar Awasthi, IFS, (DGF&SS). It brought together top policymakers, senior forest officials, scientists, and conservationists from across the country.

HAWK is an advanced monitoring and intelligence platform designed to strengthen the fight against wildlife crime, improve forest surveillance, and protect endangered species such as the Asian elephant. By integrating real-time data analysis, field reporting, and rapid response mechanisms, HAWK aims to empower forest departments in preventing hostile activities, enhancing conservation efficiency, and mitigating threats to wildlife habitats.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to all NGOs for their invaluable support and stress the importance of harnessing technology for the future of wildlife conservation,” said Thiru Kirti Vardhan Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The celebration also featured a workshop on “Experience Sharing of Good Practices in Elephant Habitat Management, Corridor Management, and Human-Elephant Conflict Mitigation”, with participation from Chief Wildlife Wardens of 22 states, highlighting the nationwide collaborative efforts for elephant protection. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department reaffirmed its commitment to using innovation and collaboration to secure a safer future for India’s elephants and forest ecosystems.

Read more about Hostile Activity Watch Kernel (HAWK)