Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, the world’s largest religious gathering, is witnessing an unprecedented blend of tradition and technology as the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led government introduces advanced measures to manage and monitor the influx of millions of devotees.
With crowd estimates often raising eyebrows, the Uttar Pradesh government is leveraging state-of-the-art technologies, including AI-based tools, to ensure precision in counting the vast number of pilgrims while maintaining safety and order.
advertisement
To achieve this, over 1,800 CCTV cameras have been installed across the sprawling Kumbh Mela area, with around 700 being temporary setups and the rest permanent.
Most of these cameras are equipped with artificial intelligence, allowing them to analyse crowd density and provide near-accurate headcounts. These cameras, positioned strategically across 48 ghats, enable real-time crowd assessments conducted by a dedicated team that has been rigorously trained through multiple rehearsals before the event began.
The integration of drones has further enhanced crowd monitoring capabilities. Drones capture aerial images, gauge crowd density within specific areas, and relay this data to a central assessment team.
This dual-layered approach, combining AI-driven cameras and drones, not only aids in accurate counting but also helps identify potential hotspots and risks.
In addition to visual surveillance, the government has deployed a mobile tracking application to estimate the average number of individuals based on active mobile devices in the area. This innovative tool serves as a supplementary method to ensure no gaps remain in the count.
A centralised Command and Control Centre in Prayagraj acts as the nerve centre for crowd management. Senior police officials and technical experts stationed at the centre use a dashboard fed with real-time data from AI-driven algorithms to monitor crowd density. Alerts are issued immediately if any section of the mela experiences an unusual increase in numbers, ensuring swift action to prevent congestion or mishaps.
While cutting-edge technology plays a pivotal role, traditional methods remain integral to the process. The local intelligence unit, which has long been the backbone of crowd estimation during such events, continues to contribute to data collection.
Additionally, the administration monitors parking lots and railway stations to track the inflow of pilgrims arriving by buses, private vehicles, or trains.
Trending Reel
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
