AI-powered surveillance, drones to secure Vaishno Devi pilgrimage
Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Anshul Garg, today presided over a joint security review meeting with security agencies and other stakeholders at Katra to assess the security and operational preparedness of the Shrine area for a hassle-free pilgrimage.
The meeting was attended by officers from the police, CRPF and civil administration. The CEO stressed that the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) coming up at Katra must be operationalised by the first week of May to ensure pilgrim safety and facilitate smooth regulation of the yatra. He emphasised the importance of adhering to the timeline, noting that a robust security grid across all key sectors of the shrine relies on the timely activation of the ICCC.
“This centre will enable real-time monitoring, swift response to emergencies and effective coordination among security agencies through a network of 700 CCTV cameras with features like gesture recognition, face recognition and others as per operational requirements,” Garg said. He urged all departments concerned to strictly follow the deadline to ensure a safe and secure yatra.
Intelligence sharing and coordination among security agencies also remained key focus areas. The meeting underlined the need for seamless communication and data exchange to prevent security breaches. Strategies were discussed to verify the credentials of palanquin and pony riders to prevent impersonation and ensure their legitimate engagement, thereby ensuring a secure pilgrimage experience.
The meeting also explored the deployment of additional security personnel, area domination, and the use of drones and other advanced technologies to monitor the shrine and its surroundings. Latest advancements in security—including AI-powered surveillance systems and data analytics—were also discussed.
The CEO emphasised the importance of staying ahead of potential security threats by adopting cutting-edge technologies and best practices. The use of geo-fencing to enhance shrine security was also discussed as a means to optimise resource use and improve overall shrine management.
He asserted that security agencies must maintain zero tolerance and “not allow any relaxation or leniency in security checks at all points,” adding that “strict adherence to protocols” was essential to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims.
SSP Reasi informed the meeting that FIRs had been registered against unauthorised personnel caught plying as service providers on the track and that continuous inspections are underway.
The meeting also reviewed the peripheral security of Katra town, with discussions focusing on strengthening surveillance, improving intelligence gathering and implementing effective access control to ensure a secure environment for all pilgrims.
J & K