During Shardiya Navratra, there will be a massive influx on pilgrims in Katra for which AI based cameras will be deployed throughout Katra town and the 12 Km Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route to ensure security and provide control.
The cameras will be linked to an Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) which will enable the authorities to keep track of the gatherings in real time. The system will also incorporate facial recognition to identify any suspicious persons and provide automatic alerts in regards to unattended baggage, officials said.
The 9-day festival of the nine days Shardiya Navratra will be celebrated from 11th October to 20th October. Reasi Police and other security forces have beefed-up security at the shrine as well as on the pilgrimage route for the event as there are chances that a huge crowd will visit it during the period.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sachin Kumar Vaishya held a high-level meeting and reviewed the arrangements at the Central Office of the Shrine Board in Katra.
Mukund Tibrewal, senior superintendent of police, informed authorities about the security, management of the mobs and special arrangements for traffic. Special nakas have been created at the gates of Katra and Quick Response Teams (QRTs) of the Jammu Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been deployed at strategic points.
The authorities have also worked on emergency and disaster preparedness which precede the festival. Vaishya also checked on mock drills as well as the other fire-fighting arrangements and coordination between the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the Shrine Board Disaster Management Task Force.
The Virtual Security System is equipped with artificial intelligence technology and will facilitate the response from the authorities to the crowd-related and security issues during the festival. The arrangements are intended to enhance pilgrim security and streamline the flow in the heavily trafficked pilgrimage passage, officials reported,
The additional security measures will be an integral part of preparations as Katra and Vaishno Devi shrine get ready for the expected Navratra influx.