Jammu: Ahead of Navratri, more than 500 AI-enabled cameras and an integrated command centre have been set up in Katra as part of enhanced security arrangements for the pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district.
Special nakas and enhanced traffic and crowd management measures have been put in place at key locations in Katra — the base-camp for pilgrims taking on the trek — and along the pilgrimage route to ensure safe and smooth movement of devotees during the festival, police officials said.
“Katra has a very modern AI-based ICCC (integrated command and control centre), with more than 500 cameras installed across the town. Crowd management is being carried out through this system,” Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mukund Tibrewal said.
The SSP said a facial recognition system (FRS) has been installed to keep surveillance on people entering Katra as well as those travelling along the pilgrimage track. “This technology will help us keep surveillance in areas where physical deployment cannot reach.”
Security arrangements have been strengthened in view of the expected increase in the number of pilgrims during the Navratri period beginning October 11, he said.
“Elaborate security, crowd management and traffic arrangements have been put in place in Katra, base camp of Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, in view of the large number of pilgrims expected during festive and religious events,” the SSP said.
He said footfall at the shrine can go up to around 50,000 pilgrims. Besides, several small and large programmes being organised in Katra is also expected to attract a significant number of devotees.
“In view of this, there is checking and access control at every venue. Our objective is to ensure proper crowd management, particularly in the Bhawan area, where monitoring will be carried out through cameras and the integrated command and control centre,” the SSP said.
He said additional police personnel would be deployed at identified choke points to ensure proper queue management for pilgrims proceeding for ‘darshan’ of Mata Vaishno Devi.
On traffic management, the SSP said police have taken feedback regarding possible traffic-related problems and are coordinating with the traffic department.
He said additional deployment would be made at important points so that traffic can be diverted in a timely manner during major events and movement of vehicles can be regulated.
“Our aim is to ensure that there is no traffic disruption and pilgrims are able to move safely and smoothly,” the SSP added.