"AI and hi-tech technologies will be used in CCTV arrangements": UP DGP Prashant Kumar on Mahakumbh 2025 preparations

Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], November 12 (ANI): As Uttar Pradesh prepares for the Mahakumbh 2025, one of the largest human congregations in the world, which will begin on January 13, Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar addressed the media on Tuesday, announcing that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other high-tech technologies will be integrated into the CCTV arrangements for the event.
Speaking to the media in Prayagraj, UP DGP Prashant Kumar discussed the extensive preparations being made by various government departments, especially the police, to ensure the safety of the millions of devotees expected to attend the Mahakumbh Mela in 2025.
He further mentioned that the police will use AI and other advanced technologies in surveillance systems.
"Mahakumbh is the biggest human congregation in the world. This time, for Mahakumbh 2025 we are expecting a footfall of approximately, 40-50 crore people. The arrangements are being made by all the departments of administration as well as the police department according to this. We will start our checking from inter-district borders. Then the checking will be done at the zonal level. We will include AI and other hi-tech technologies in our CCTV arrangements. All the non-social elements will be monitored during this time," UP DGP Prashant Kumar said.
In a first, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government will illuminate the Mahakumbh fairgrounds with over 40,000 rechargeable bulbs, ensuring 24/7 lighting. These innovative bulbs will continue to operate during power outages, ensuring the divine ambience.
The lighting will play a significant role in enhancing the grandeur and spirituality of the MahaKumbh, casting a mystical glow over the sacred waters of the Ganga and Yamuna.
Additionally, in a major security move, 220 highly skilled deep-sea divers from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) will be stationed at the Sangam waters to provide safety. These divers will be on high alert round-the-clock, supported by 700 boats, to ensure the safety of pilgrims during the holy bathing rituals.
India's top Water Police personnel from Goa, Kolkata, and Maharashtra will also join forces in Prayagraj this year to safeguard the devotees. This marks the first time such a large deployment of high-tech divers will be in place to ensure the safety of pilgrims and saints.
In addition to this, teams from the NDRF, SDRF, water police, PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary), and healthcare staff will work together to ensure the safety and security of devotees during the Kumbh.
Under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, comprehensive security measures are being implemented to handle the millions of devotees arriving from across India and abroad.
The MahaKumbh will begin with the Paush Purnima Snan (holy bath) on January 13, 2025, and will conclude on February 26, 2025, with the last bath on Mahashivratri. (ANI)