Tripura Forest Minister launches Digital Forestry Platform: Calls for Technology-driven conservation

Forests Minister Animesh Debbarma on Saturday placed technology at the heart of Tripura’s conservation agenda, unveiling the Forestry Integrated Geospatial Solution (FIGS) — a pioneering digital platform designed to modernize forest governance and livelihood planning under the Tripura JICA Project (SCATFORM).

Speaking at the launch event at Pragna Bhawan, Debbarma declared that the future of conservation will be defined not by a choice between nature and technology, but by “nature protected through technology and technology guided by nature.” 

He stressed that tools such as satellite monitoring, mobile geo-tagging, drones, and GIS-based analysis can transform how forests are managed, enabling early detection of fires, mapping of plantations, and identification of vulnerable zones.

Debbarma underscored that nearly 70 percent of Tripura’s land is under forest cover, with livelihoods of thousands tied to natural resources. He explained that FIGS will allow planners to match interventions with local realities — whether fisheries in water-rich areas, bamboo enterprises, livestock development, or eco-tourism — ensuring that livelihood strategies are data-driven rather than based on assumptions.

The programme also saw the distribution of 300 mobile devices to field staff for real-time data collection, awards to top-performing districts and officers, and the release of four publications documenting SCATFORM’s achievements in biodiversity conservation, watershed development, and community-led livelihoods.

Debbarma, reflecting on his personal bond with forests, said they represent not just administrative responsibility but the cultural and ecological identity of Tripura’s people. He reaffirmed his commitment to initiatives that combine conservation, livelihood enhancement, and technological innovation.

Officials noted that FIGS, built on open-source architecture, marks a shift from conventional reporting to a transparent, spatially intelligent governance framework. By integrating geospatial intelligence with field-level data, the platform is expected to strengthen accountability, improve decision-making, and support climate resilience across the state.

The launch positions Tripura alongside national efforts such as ISRO’s Bhuvan platform and the Forest Survey of India’s fire monitoring system, signaling the state’s determination to emerge as a leader in digital forestry management.