AI-enabled cameras, QR wristbands: Sagar Mela goes hi-tech this year
Times of India | 6 January 2025
12 Gangasagar: Gangasagar Mela, starting Jan 9, is set to take its most technologically advanced form this year. AI-enabled cameras and drones, QR code-enabled wristbands, a real-time movement tracking system for vehicles and launches or vessels entering Sagar Island, thermal imaging and night vision drones have been deployed.
Keeping in mind the record 1.1 million crowd that turned up in 2024, the administration is keeping its arrangements ready. However, with the once-in-every-twelve-years Maha Kumbh Mela slated to be held in Prayagraj also, the turnout may not be higher than last year, say senior officials.
A 6,000 sq ft mega control room will monitor the movement of pilgrims and vehicles in the Sagar Mela area through more than 1,000 CCTV cameras and 25 drones. A total of 56 monitors will be manned by more than 100 staff. A gigantic monitor will stream the movement of vessels approaching Kachuberia from Lot 8, Kakdwip. The district administration has used technological support from Isro to monitor the movement of vessels and vehicles. Clicking on any vessel will provide information about it, including the number of passengers in transit and the driver's phone number.
"Based on the experiences from last year, we changed some CCTV points to get maximum possible surveillance. This will help us to better manage the crowd," said Sumit Gupta, South 24 Parganas district magistrate. Some of the drones can also be used to make announcements and deliver food packets if needed.
"There is an apprehension about attendance due to Maha Kumbh Mela, but we cannot anticipate footfall beforehand. Therefore, we made arrangements to accommodate a bigger crowd," Gupta said.
Two mobile apps — Anusandhan and Bandhan — have been put in place. While Anusandhan can be used in case anyone gets lost in the crowd, Bandhan will be used to greet every member reaching the mela area.
Locals on Sunday said they were not happy with the flow of pilgrims this year. "Although the mela starts from Jan 10, we normally get a decent amount of pilgrims even a week before that. It seems a section of pilgrims will attend Maha Kumbh," said Ratan Mandal, a toto driver.