Early Times Report
Lucknow, July 11: To ensure the security and smooth conduct of the Kanwar Yatra, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has deployed cutting-edge anti-drone and tethered drone technologies along the Yatra route. Acting on the Chief Minister’s directives, these advanced surveillance systems—previously used during the Ram Mandir inauguration and Mahakumbh—are now enhancing real-time monitoring and threat detection.
A state-of-the-art control room, modelled on the Mahakumbh framework, has been established with round-the-clock real-time monitoring capabilities. Elite security forces, including ATS, RAF, and QRT, have been deployed at ground level along the entire Yatra route to ensure maximum vigilance.
Technology is being leveraged at every level to ensure the comfort, safety, and smooth experience of devotees. CM Yogi has personally reviewed all preparations and issued strict instructions to ensure flawless arrangements for security, healthcare, sanitation, drinking water, and traffic management. Drawing inspiration from the Mahakumbh security model, similar protocols have been implemented across the Kanwar Yatra corridors.
In a major technological push, 29,454 CCTV cameras have been installed along key Kanwar routes and major congregation points. Additionally, 395 high-tech drones, including anti-drones and tethered drones, are transmitting real-time video feeds directly to the DGP headquarters. Tethered drones, which hover in a fixed position for extended periods, are proving particularly effective in monitoring dense crowds and enabling quick response in case of emergencies. To further bolster security, a modern control room has been established at the DGP headquarters, modelled after the Mahakumbh, to provide continuous 24/7 real-time monitoring of the Yatra and Shiv temples.
A dedicated eight-member social media surveillance team is also on high alert. This team continuously monitors online platforms for rumors, misleading information, and sensitive posts, promptly alerting district officials and ensuring swift removal of objectionable content. In parallel, a separate control room team monitors inputs from electronic media, UP-112, and other communication channels to ensure seamless coordination and prompt responses.
To ensure foolproof security during the Kanwar Yatra, the Uttar Pradesh government has deployed a large-scale police and paramilitary force. A total of 587 gazetted officers, 2,040 inspectors, 13,520 sub-inspectors, and 39,965 constables have been assigned duty. In addition, 1,486 women sub-inspectors and 8,541 women constables are on the ground to maintain law and order. The deployment also includes 50 companies of PAC and central forces, along with 1,424 home guards. To ensure seamless access to important information, details such as police officers' contact numbers, traffic diversion plans, and all Kanwar Yatra-related guidelines have been shared with the public through hoardings, newspapers, and social media, utilising barcodes to make them easily accessible to devotees. |
