Ahmedabad, July 8 (IANS) The local administration has finalised an extensive security plan for the 149th Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Ahmedabad, with authorities deploying a range of technology-driven measures, including AI-powered facial recognition, live elephant tracking and anti-drone systems, as part of preparations for the annual procession on Ashadhi Bij.
The arrangements were reviewed on Wednesday at a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, who assessed security measures, the law and order situation and preparedness by various government departments ahead of the procession.
The meeting was attended by Director General of Police (DGP) G.S. Malik, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut, Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary Sanjeev Kumar, Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani, Ahmedabad Collector Bhavya Verma, senior police officers and representatives of various security agencies.
According to the government, Sanghavi directed the police and civil administration to remain fully prepared to ensure the Rath Yatra is conducted peacefully and safely.
He reviewed plans for police deployment along the procession route, traffic management, emergency response arrangements and coordination among different agencies.
Officials also briefed the meeting on visits to sensitive locations along the route, interactions with local community leaders and preventive action taken against anti-social elements as part of the security preparations.
Emphasising the use of technology alongside conventional policing, Sanghavi called for close coordination between manpower and modern surveillance systems to strengthen security during the event.
“All arrangements should be ensured so that the Rath Yatra is completed smoothly in an atmosphere of devotion and enthusiasm,” he said.
Among the new initiatives announced this year is the ‘Gajrakshak Smart Tracking System’, which will be used for the first time in the city’s Rath Yatra history to monitor the safety and real-time location of elephants participating in the procession.
Authorities will also use the ‘Pratiraksha’ application for Aadhaar-based verification of truck operators and akhada organisers taking part in the yatra.
Security measures further include an AI-powered facial recognition system operating through ‘PINAC’ software, anti-drone guns, jammer teams to guard against aerial threats and live surveillance through a network of thousands of CCTV cameras installed along the entire procession route.
Security agencies presented a detailed action plan during the meeting, outlining the coordinated measures being implemented to maintain law and order and ensure the smooth conduct of one of Ahmedabad’s largest annual religious processions.
–IANS
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