The police and administration of Muzaffarnagar have prepared a high-tech security plan for the Kavad Yatra, which begins on July 30th. For the first time, artificial intelligence (AI) technology will be used to monitor the entire Kavad Yatra route using approximately 2500 surveillance cameras.
Monitoring System and Security Forces
In addition to facial recognition, the systems will include crowd analysis, drone surveillance, and social media monitoring. To ensure safety, ATS groups, black commandos, explosive teams, heavy police forces, as well as plainclothes officers among pilgrims for rapid response to suspicious activity, will be deployed.
Route and Area Sensitivity
The Kavad Yatra, which takes place during the month of Sawan, attracts millions of pilgrims annually. Most pilgrims traveling from Haridwar with Ganges water to various areas of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh pass through Muzaffarnagar. Because of this, Muzaffarnagar is considered one of the most sensitive areas in terms of security.
Technological Equipment and Control
As part of strengthening security measures, the police have integrated all aspects of the event with technology. Approximately 2500 AI-based cameras will be installed along the route. These cameras will be equipped with facial recognition, crowd analysis, and an automatic alert system, allowing real-time monitoring of suspicious activities and crowd conditions.
Ground and Aerial Forces
Route monitoring will be carried out both by cameras and from the air using drones. On the ground, ATS, black commandos, PAC, RRF, LIU, road police, Homguard, explosive teams, and local police will be deployed. Additionally, police officers in civilian attire will be present.
Infrastructure and Disinformation Combat
This year, mini control rooms will be established not only in the main control center but also in every police station associated with the Kavad Yatra route. Police personnel, along with representatives from electricity, health, and sanitation departments, will be present around the clock there to provide immediate assistance in case of emergencies. The police are also preparing to strictly monitor those who attempt to spread rumors or provoke tension on social media. A special team has been created under the supervision of SP City and SP Zone; any inflammatory or abusive posts will be immediately deleted, and action will be taken against the culprits.
Leadership Inspection Readiness
On Wednesday, Bhanu Bhaskar, Deputy Director General of Public Safety (ADG) of the Meerut zone, inspected the Kavad Yatra route along with DIG Saharanpur, SSP Muzaffarnagar, District Administrator, and other officials. Officials visited the areas of Purkaji, Nai Mandi, Mansarpur, Hatouli, Khalapar, and Nagar Kotavali. Following this, a meeting was held to check the route management, crowd control, medical aid, fire fighting, power supply, and other systems.
Priorities and Security Guarantees
The ADG emphasized that ensuring a safe and organized Kavad Yatra is a priority this year, just like in the past. Additional police forces and necessary resources will be provided for this purpose. He added that thanks to the AI-based surveillance system and the help of expert agencies, any activity will be identified and measures will be taken in a timely manner.