27.02.26

nCount Training Strengthens Field Monitoring Efforts in Gondia, Maharashtra

As part of ongoing efforts to enable data-driven forest management, a series of nCount training sessions were conducted across Gondia district for frontline forest staff, including Range Officers, Beat Officers, and Forest Guards.

Held across multiple locations—including Gondia, Deori, and Navegaon Bandh—the trainings covered over 200 field personnel, with participation from several forest ranges. Each session introduced the objectives of the nCount application within the broader forest economy initiative, followed by a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough of the platform.

Participants were trained on key functionalities such as data capture, species classification, and landscape visualisation. Sample maps and dashboards from Himachal Pradesh were used to demonstrate how field-level inputs translate into actionable, district-level insights. An online support platform was also introduced to enable ongoing query resolution and knowledge sharing.

The sessions were designed to be interactive and practice-oriented, with hands-on demonstrations, discussions on locally abundant species, and inputs from participants on species identification and classification. These exchanges helped ground the application in local ecological contexts while improving usability for field teams.

The trainings were supported by district leadership, with the District Collector, Shri Prajit Nair, addressing participants and underscoring the importance of timely and accurate data collection, particularly in view of the upcoming fire season.

To ensure continued engagement, a dedicated WhatsApp group has been established, with nearly 300 field personnel already onboarded. The group serves as a platform for sharing updates, training materials (including Marathi versions), and tracking early progress. Participants have also been encouraged to initiate data collection and submit sample entries, enabling real-time feedback and quality checks.

The Forest Department has further expressed interest in advanced GIS training, indicating strong uptake and potential for deeper analytical use of the data generated through nCount. Additional training sessions are being conducted to ensure wider coverage and consistency in implementation across the district.