Recognising the increasing risk of cybercrime, the police have adopted innovative solutions
Prayagraj is gearing up for the Mahakumbh Mela 2025, set to be one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. With an expected turnout of approximately 45 crore pilgrims, the Uttar Pradesh Police is implementing a comprehensive security and crowd management plan. Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar confirmed the deployment of 50,000 police personnel to ensure safety during the event, which will run from 13 January to 26 February 2025.
Addressing Key Challenges
To tackle potential challenges like terror threats, cyberattacks, rogue drones, and human trafficking, advanced technologies are being leveraged. DGP Kumar stated, “This year’s Kumbh aims to be highly digital, with law enforcement leveraging advanced technologies like AI-enabled cameras and drones.” Strategies have been put in place to identify and neutralise rogue drones and other emerging threats.
Recognising the increasing risk of cybercrime, the police have adopted innovative solutions. A dedicated cyber police station has been set up in the Mahakumbh area for the first time. The Uttar Pradesh Police has also partnered with private experts from the Future Crime Research Foundation and IIT Kanpur for cyber patrolling. National agencies like the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and CERT-IN have been roped in to protect pilgrims from cyber frauds and to ensure robust data protection.
Advanced Surveillance & Traffic Management
A network of 2,700 CCTV cameras, including AI-enabled units, has been installed to monitor crowd density, movement, barricade breaches, and fire or smoke incidents. These cameras also include automatic number plate recognition technology to estimate incoming vehicles and manage parking.
Traffic flow will be closely monitored to prevent overcrowding, with diversion plans ready for emergencies. DGP Kumar said, “The integrated command and control centre, having four wings—three in the mela area and one in the city—will keep a 24-hour watch on the crowd movement.”
Ensuring Women’s Safety & Lost & Found Assistance
Focused efforts have been made to ensure women’s safety, with three Mahila police stations, ten pink booths, and a significant deployment of women officers. To assist pilgrims in case of lost belongings or individuals, ten digital lost-and-found centres have been established, supported by a dedicated local police network.
Managing VIP Movements
The police have also devised a strategy to manage VIP movements during the mela. DGP Kumar stated that VIP visitors would need to walk one kilometre on regular days and three kilometres on peak bathing days to ensure smooth operations and minimal disruption
About Mahakumbh Mela 2025
The Mahakumbh Mela, held every 12 years, is a significant event in Sanatan Dharma. The upcoming mela will commence on 13 January 2025 and conclude on 26 February 2025, with the main event scheduled on 29 January during Siddhi Yoga. Pilgrims from across the globe are expected to gather at Prayagraj to take a dip at the holy Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
This grand event is expected to showcase a unique blend of tradition, faith, and cutting-edge technology, ensuring a safe and enriching experience for all participants.
