PRAYAGRAJ: As four crore devotees are expected to take a holy dip on Jan 13-14 to mark the beginning of Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, the entire mela area has turned into a fortress with the implementation of a seven-ring security plan for the safety of pilgrims.
According to the estimates of the Mela authorities, at least 1 crore devotees are likely to flock to the Mela area on Paush Purnima (Jan 13) and three crore people will take holy dip on Makar Sankranti (Jan 14).
The police on Sunday declared the entire Mela area a ‘no vehicle zone’ and implemented a traffic diversion plan on all the seven routes leading to Sangam.
Apart from a network of 2,751 CCTV cameras, including 328 AI-enabled cameras in Sangam as well as tent city, Mela police have also launched advanced AI-driven data analytics solution systems to enhance surveillance and crowd management.
Additional director general (Prayagraj zone) Bhanu Bhaskar told TOI, “We have implemented a robust seven-tier security circle, including Kumbh Mela (outer cordon, inner cordon and isolation cordon), district checking, neighbouring/buffer district, interstate checking, and security circle at city’s prominent public places, including religious spots to ensure safety of visitors.”
“To strengthen the inner and outer cordon, we have expanded infrastructure by setting up 13 more temporary police stations (total 57) and 15 additional checkpoints in both urban and rural areas. A dedicated team has been formed to oversee the implementation of advanced AI-driven data analytics solution systems. Maha Kumbh Police App has already been launched as part of our efforts to strengthen security and embrace smart policing,” the ADG said.
Mela police are taking assistance from AI-enabled solutions for real-time data analysis and seamless integration of multiple data sources. The system is helpful in improving inter-agency coordination, detecting potential threats, and generating actionable intelligence for security.
Intelligence squads have also been deployed in all 25 sectors to keep an eye on suspicious activities. Multiple checkpoints have been assigned at static points to enhance security. AI-powered cameras, anti-drone systems, and tethered drones have been strategically deployed to bolster surveillance. “Around 40,000 policemen, including paramilitary forces and teams of UP technical services, have been deployed in and around Mela area,” said IG (Prayagraj range) Prem Gautam, adding: “All prominent pandals, camps, tent city, Sangam and Sanskriti Gram are under police scanner,” he added.
IG (Prayagraj range) Prem Kumar Gautam said, “Anti-drone system has been activated, and a team of experienced experts have also been engaged to operate the system. Besides, 20 hi-tech drones have been deployed which will ensure 24×7 surveillance and real-time updates of all 25 sectors of Mela with just a single click, capturing every detail of the crowd.”
“The upgraded Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) will provide all minute inputs that are helpful for crowd control and traffic management,” he added.