01.02.25

Phase II nCount Training: Building a Digital Forest Inventory in Himachal Pradesh

Building on the success of Phase I, the second phase of nCount training was launched in July 2024 across five additional forest divisions in Himachal Pradesh. This phase extended forest inventory mapping into high-altitude ecosystems by incorporating drone-based monitoring, machine learning models, and real-time data validation. The rugged terrain and unpredictable weather in these regions necessitated specialised training and adaptive field methodologies.

Phase I Achievements

By the end of Phase I, forest officers and field staff in all six initial divisions had been trained, and approximately 40,000 data points were collected. This milestone enabled deeper analytical insights into forest inventory trends and facilitated species-specific management strategies.

The Phase II rollout involved:

• Training expansion: Five more divisions—Parvati, Rohru, Lahaul, Churah, and Pangi—were brought into the programme.

• Advanced monitoring and modelling: The integration of drone-based mapping with AI-driven predictive models enhanced species-level volume estimates.

• Data validation: A structured exercise aligned field-collected observations with high-precision geospatial analyses.

• Operational integration: nCount was embedded within the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (HPFD)’s working plans, beginning with the Nurpur Division.

• Community governance: Mechanisms were established for community-driven data oversight and transparency.

Phase II Rollout and Implementation

Looking Ahead: Final Phase

The upcoming final phase will concentrate on scaling the digital inventory across all remaining divisions, strengthening analytical dashboards for decision-making, and formalising community-data partnerships. Through continued evolution, nCount will cement Himachal Pradesh’s position as a leader in digital, data-driven forest management and establish a benchmark for replication in other states.