Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 25 (ANI): Ahead of the annual Jagannath Yatra in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi announced that the 16-kilometre route of the Rath Yatra will be monitored with more than 3,500 CCTV cameras, drones, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based systems to ensure the safety and security of participants and prevent any stampede incidents.
Speaking on the preparations, Sanghavi stated, “People from across the state come to take darshan of Lord Jagannath during this annual Rath Yatra. A total of 23,884 personnel, including IGPs and other senior officials, have been deployed for the yatra. More than 240 terrace points and 25 watchtowers have been established for surveillance. The entire security plan has been mapped using 3D technology and AI.”
He emphasized that advanced analytics and AI, combined with drone surveillance and real-time video monitoring, are being used to detect and manage high-density crowd zones, ensuring timely interventions to prevent potential stampedes.
Sanghavi also praised the efforts of the Gujarat Police, highlighting their swift response during the recent Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. “After the plane crash, the Gujarat police played a crucial role in relief operations. Women police personnel provided counselling to the families of the deceased and are now working overtime to prepare for the Jagannath Yatra,” he added.
On June 12, a London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, into the BJ Medical College hostel complex in the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad. The crash claimed the lives of 241 of the 242 people onboard, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, and 34 others on the ground.
To ensure the safe conduct of the 148th Rath Yatra, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel chaired a high-level review meeting on Tuesday in Gandhinagar. The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister and Home Department MK Das, DGP Vikas Sahay, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik, Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani, and other senior officials.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to a peaceful and harmonious celebration of the Rath Yatra, which is being organized in over 213 locations across the state. He described the event as a reflection of devotion, unity, and public enthusiasm.
During the review, Ahmedabad Police presented their comprehensive security and safety plan, which, for the first time, includes the deployment of AI-based systems. These systems will provide real-time alerts for crowd surges and fire hazards, allowing emergency services to respond promptly.
With these technological enhancements, the state aims to make this year’s Rath Yatra one of the safest and most efficiently managed processions in its history.
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