What New Surveillance System Did J&K LG Unveil for Vaishno Devi Shrine?

Jammu, June 9 (NationPress) The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, officially launched a CCTV Surveillance System along with an Integrated Command & Control Centre for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine on Monday. This unveiling is particularly important following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, J&K, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives.

“Utilizing state-of-the-art technology will facilitate real-time monitoring and efficient crowd management, ensuring the safety and security of the pilgrims, and providing a smoother pilgrimage experience,” stated the Lieutenant Governor.

He highlighted that the insights obtained from this system will aid in providing a swift response during emergencies.

Manoj Sinha, who also serves as the Chairman of the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, emphasized the importance of this command and control infrastructure, which encompasses an AI-powered surveillance ecosystem. This initiative aims to deliver comprehensive situational awareness, improve operational efficiency, and ensure effective coordination with emergency services.

This large-scale, technology-oriented surveillance and crowd management project will significantly bolster safety and security, enhance crowd control measures, and optimize operations in the shrine vicinity.

As part of the initiative, one Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC) has been set up in Katra, along with seven Sub-Control Centres along the pilgrimage route for localized monitoring and coordination. This setup guarantees 24x7 surveillance of all high-traffic and vulnerable areas, allowing for prompt responses to crowd surges, security threats, or medical emergencies.

More than 700 cameras have been installed throughout the shrine area, including 170 new high-definition IP cameras and the integration of over 500 existing cameras. These will monitor all critical and vulnerable spots, including entry and exit points, gathering areas, and the pilgrimage track.

The project also incorporates AI-based analytics and advanced technologies such as Gesture Recognition, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), Facial Recognition, Intrusion Detection Systems, and Crowd Management Tools.

Anshul Garg, CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), provided a comprehensive overview of the ICCC's technical attributes and its expected advantages for daily shrine operations.

He noted that the centre is equipped to issue automated alerts for crowd congestion, route obstructions, landslides, or emergencies, facilitating quick decision-making and response.

The Lieutenant Governor also engaged with the engineers and staff at the centre.

He stressed the necessity of regular staff training and seamless collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders to maximize the center's efficiency.

Recently, the SMVDSB supplied advanced security equipment to the agencies responsible for yatra management, including X-Ray Baggage Scanners, Door Frame Metal Detectors, Hand-Held Metal Detectors, and Under Vehicle Search Mirrors/Scanners. This is part of ongoing efforts to enhance robust security measures in the shrine area, following a joint security review initiated by the Lieutenant Governor last year.

Dr. Ashok Bhan, a member of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, along with Shri Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu, Ms. Nidhi Malik, Deputy Commissioner Reasi, and other senior officials from the Police, Security Agencies, and Shrine Board were also in attendance.