The Telangana State Forest Development Corporation (TSFDC) is mulling to install microchips on the sandalwood trees to protect and ensure a proper tree count.
The plan would be implemented as a pilot project, under which microchips would be installed on 100 trees in Indira Park, Zoo Park and Dulapally Forest Academy. The concerned authority decided to install chips after a few incidents of unauthorized felling of sandalwood trees in Indira Park and other areas in Hyderabad.
As TSFDC is now taking up extensive plantation of sandalwood, red sandal, rose wood and other high value trees across the State, there should be a proper maintenance and record of trees.
Mr. G. Chandrashekhar Reddy, the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the TSFDC said, “We are in talks with the Institute of Wood Science and Technology (IWST), Bengaluru for executing the project. They have developed this microchip technology, which will raise an alarm in case of any theft.” He further said, “Since TSFDC is taking up extensive plantation of sandalwood, red sandal, rose wood and other high value trees, this technology will come in handy to ensure protection of the trees.”
How would this microchip work?
This chip would enable forest officials to monitor the trees, and help them detect their theft and transportation. Even if a person touches the plant, a message will be transmitted to the forest officer’s cell phone. The chips will be programmed to pick up any illegality in the forest and immediately notify the forest and police officials of the region.
The idea of microchip installation is inspired by Bengaluru, which is said to be effective and has reduced stealing of sandalwood trees and selling them in markets.
Mango News Link
Telegram: https://t.me/mangonewsofficial
Google Play Store: https://bit.ly/2R4cbgN
Apple / iOS Store: https://apple.co/2xEYFJ
