Maharashtra forest department tests drones to curb smuggling of Khair, teakwood in Nashik district

After successfully using drones to minimise elephant-human conflicts in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district, the forest department is now testing quadcopters to increase surveillance against smuggling of Khair and teakwood in Nashik district, an official said.

Khair tree, scientific name Senegalia catechu, is in high demand due to its medicinal value and for making ‘kaat’ or ‘kattha’, a key ingredient of ‘paan’. Teakwood is known for its durability and suitability for making furniture.

In Nashik district, which borders Gujarat, drones are being tested in the forest cover from Igatpuri to Trimbakeshwar ranges to use the unmanned aerial vehicles as a surveillance tool.