What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: A recent study has uncovered a disturbing misuse of surveillance technologies in Jim Corbett National Park which was originally intended for wildlife conservation. The research was published in the journal Environment and Planning F and reveals that drones and camera traps are being intentionally used by local government officials and men to surveil and intimidate women without their consent.
Researchers, including lead author Trishant Simlai from the University of Cambridge, found that forest rangers flew drones over local women to deter them from collecting natural resources, a right they are legally entitled to. Women who once found solace and safety in the forest now feel watched and oppressed, leading them to alter their behaviour, such as talking and singing more quietly. This increases the risk of surprise encounters with dangerous animals like tigers and elephants, as women are less able to warn each other of threats.
The study highlights the profound negative impact on the mental health of these women, who use the forest to escape difficult home environments and to bond with each other. Instances of harassment have been documented, such as a photo of a woman going to the toilet in the forest being shared on social media, further illustrating the misuse of these technologies.
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“What are they trying to monitor by flying the drone where women from our village go to relieve themselves? Can they dare to do the same in the upper caste villages?” (Resident man, Interview no. 44 (Quote is taken from the report).
Simlai reported that the invasive surveillance forces women deeper into the forest to avoid detection, inadvertently increasing their exposure to wildlife dangers. Tragically, this has already resulted in at least one fatal tiger attack.
The researchers emphasize the urgent need for conservation projects to consider the social implications of surveillance technologies. Co-author Chris Sandbrook, a conservation social scientist, stresses that while such technologies are common for monitoring wildlife, they must not cause unintended harm to local communities, particularly women who rely on the forest for their livelihoods and social interactions.
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“We cannot walk in front of the cameras or sit in the area with our Kurtis above our knees, we are afraid that we might get photographed or recorded in a wrong way.” (Resident woman, Interview no. 27) (Quote is taken from the report)
This study is a stark reminder that digital surveillance, even when intended for noble purposes, can have severe unintended consequences if not carefully managed and regulated. It calls for a reassessment of how these technologies are deployed to ensure they do not infringe on the rights and safety of vulnerable populations.
These revelations have sparked significant concern within the conservation community, highlighting the need for a balance between wildlife monitoring and protecting the privacy and safety of local communities.
