As Prayagraj gears up for the Mahakumbh Mela FY25, AI-driven technology will play a key role in enhancing crowd management and security, according to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rajesh Dwivedi. The fair area will see the installation of approximately 2,700 CCTV cameras, including AI-enabled ones offering 24/7 surveillance and automated alerts. This technological advancement will support traditional security efforts, which already include 56 police stations, 25 of which are operational.
To ensure the safety of an estimated 45 crore (450 million) devotees, the Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is adopting a digital-first approach. This includes using AI and social media platforms such as Facebook and X for improved security. A digital ‘lost-and-found centre’ is scheduled to launch on December 1, enabling the AI-powered system to track missing persons through face recognition technology. This system will scan the crowd, identify lost individuals, and share their details across social media, aiding faster reunification. These digital advancements aim to make the FY25 Mahakumbh Mela both safer and more organized.