Sustainability Through Innovation: Kaziranga’s AI-Powered Bird Census Praised in PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’
Guwahati, July 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s latest ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast turned the spotlight on Kaziranga National Park’s pioneering use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in conducting India’s first-ever Grassland Bird Census, a move hailed as a model for conservation through innovation.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, who listened to the broadcast from his residence in Guwahati, described the programme as a “beacon of learning, inspiration and environmental consciousness” and praised the Prime Minister’s recognition of Kaziranga’s biodiversity achievements.
“Kaziranga’s rich avian biodiversity beyond its iconic rhinoceros is a matter of immense pride for Assam and the Northeast. It is heartening to hear the Prime Minister highlight the use of AI in such an important conservation effort,” Sonowal said.
A Technological First in Indian Conservation
In his address, PM Modi noted that Kaziranga, while globally known for its rhinoceroses, is now being recognized for its grassland birds, with over 40 species identified, including several rare ones. He explained how sound recording devices and AI technology were used to identify birds without disturbing their habitat, calling it a significant leap in combining science with environmental sensitivity.
“When technology and sensitivity come together, understanding nature becomes so easy and deep,” the Prime Minister remarked.
Blending Innovation and Ecology
Sonowal echoed this sentiment, stating that the initiative demonstrates how innovation can be harnessed for sustainability.
“Such forward-looking approaches show the way for future conservation strategies. It is a lesson in blending compassion for nature with the power of emerging technologies,” he said.
The Minister added that ‘Mann Ki Baat’ has become a vital medium to bring such transformative stories from India’s heartlands to national attention, encouraging a collective culture of awareness and pride.
“It’s not just a broadcast—it’s a platform that motivates every Indian to participate in building a stronger, more environmentally conscious nation,” he concluded.
The AI-powered census in Kaziranga is expected to set a precedent for data-driven wildlife management in India, supporting both conservationists and policymakers in protecting fragile ecosystems.
