Noida: The district has rolled out artificial intelligence-enabled cameras and tethered drones to monitor this year’s kanwar yatra, officials said. More than 3,000 CCTV cameras, 30 drones and 2,500 police personnel have been deployed across 334 km of pilgrimage routes, with special traffic diversions in force till Aug 11. Of the CCTV network, the AI-enabled cameras will estimate the number of Kanwariyas passing through the district and flag suspicious activity to the police control room.According to police commissioner Laxmi Singh, the district has been split into 20 zones and 60 sectors across 14 identified routes, with senior officers conducting regular inspections of the routes and Kanwar camps to review security arrangements and ensure preparedness.The introduction of AI-powered surveillance marks a significant shift from conventional monitoring systems. Officials said that instead of relying solely on personnel watching camera feeds, the intelligent cameras can analyse crowd movement, identify unusual behaviour and send immediate alerts to the police control room, allowing officers to respond more quickly to emergencies or security threats.The technology will also provide accurate data on pilgrim footfall, helping authorities plan crowd management more effectively, officials added. The surveillance network is being monitored round the clock from the control room by civil and traffic police teams to ensure seamless coordination during the yatra.A total of 30 drones, including advanced tethered drones that can remain airborne over a fixed location for extended durations, have been deployed to aid the AI surveillance network. These drones provide continuous aerial surveillance within an estimated radius of 8 to 10 kilometres, enabling police to monitor crowd movement, traffic congestion and any developing emergency in real time.Live visuals are transmitted directly to the control room, allowing field officers to take swift action whenever required, officials said.Traffic restrictions are also in place to support the kanwar pilgrims’ movement.Deputy commissioner of police (traffic) Abhay Kumar Mishra said that heavy vehicles will not be allowed to enter the city until Aug 11. Restrictions on light vehicles may also be imposed depending on the crowd situation.Heavy, medium and light goods vehicles travelling towards Bulandshahr, Hapur and Moradabad through Ghaziabad will be diverted via the Eastern Peripheral Expressway. If the number of pilgrims on the routes increases substantially, then Kanwar routes will be converted into one-way corridors in phases to facilitate the safe and uninterrupted movement of kanwariyas, officials said.Police said they have also been inspecting Kanwar camps to ensure the availability of drinking water, medical facilities, sanitation and other essential services. Personnel deployed on duty have been instructed to remain vigilant while maintaining a courteous and respectful approach towards pilgrims, police said.Arrangements for flower showers have also been made to welcome kanwariyas at key locations along the route.Officials said the integration of AI-powered cameras, continuous drone surveillance and coordinated traffic planning is expected to significantly improve crowd management and public safety during one of western Uttar Pradesh’s largest annual religious processions. They also appealed to commuters to follow traffic advisories and cooperate with the police to ensure smooth movement during the yatra.
