The Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. It attracts millions of devotees, making crowd management a critical concern. To enhance safety and prevent crowd collapses and crushes, authorities have turned to advanced technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI).
Monitoring Crowd Density
AI technology is being employed to monitor crowd density in real time. Approximately 2,700 CCTV cameras have been installed across the Kumbh Mela site, with around 160 of these being AI-enabled. These cameras help calculate crowd density per square meter. They also allow authorities to estimate the number of people present in specific areas at any given time.
Predicting Crowd Surges
The AI system will predict sudden surges in crowd numbers. It is crucial during peak bathing days when attendance can swell dramatically. For instance, on significant days like Makar Sankranti, the number of attendees can reach up to 3.5 crore (35 million). AI can provide insights into expected crowd sizes and help manage the flow of people accordingly from various sources.
Real-Time Alerts
The AI system would work as sound alarms if certain sections of the crowd become overly concentrated, posing a safety threat. This proactive approach allows authorities to take immediate action to divert crowds and prevent dangerous situations before they escalate.
Evacuation Planning
In addition to crowd monitoring, AI will work for evacuation planning in case of emergencies, such as fire incidents. The technology helps identify the safest and most efficient routes for evacuating large groups of people, ensuring that safety protocols are in place.
Integrated Command and Control Centers
They collect the data from AI-enabled cameras in real-time at four Integrated Command and Control Centers (ICCC) set up within the fair area. A team of around 400 personnel, including police officers, oversees the live feeds and uses the information to manage crowd control, security, and emergency responses effectively.
Finally
The use of AI at the Kumbh Mela represents a significant advancement in crowd management technology. By monitoring crowd density, predicting surges, providing real-time alerts, and aiding in evacuation planning, AI is playing a crucial role in ensuring the safety of millions of attendees. As this technology proves successful, it may set a precedent for future large-scale events across India and beyond.
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