Andhra Pradesh: Use of AI and Drone Surveillance for 11-Day Dasara Festivities

 Vijayawada: Extensive arrangements are being made for the successful conduct of this year’s 11-day Dasara festivities from September 22 to October 2 at the Durga temple atop Indrakeeladri here.

Drawing from the success of previous years, officials said the satisfaction of the common devotee remained the top priority, with technology and AI tools being integrated to enhance the experience.

The first coordination committee meeting was held at the collectorate here, chaired by NTR district collector G Lakshmisha. Police commissioner SV Rajasekhara Babu was also present to review the preparations. Officials from revenue, endowments, police, VMC, health, civil supplies, transport, R&B, information and other departments were present.

The discussion covered aspects related to special pujas and festivals, including decorations for the goddess, organisation of queues for devotees and the use of barricades. Key topics addressed included the management of online and current booking counters, parking arrangements, adequate water supply, sanitation and the setup of showers at the ghats.

Other points included a security system, the preparation and distribution of offerings, and the establishment of a public address system.

Medical camps, issuance of passes, and signage arrangements were also discussed along with necessary precautions based on past experiences. Collector Lakshmisha said a 24/7 Command Control Room would be established, with representatives from each department ensuring real-time coordination.

The arrangements would cater to an expected daily footfall of one lakh devotees, with numbers projected to reach 1.50 to 2 lakh on Moola Nakshatram day.

Special attention would be given to events such as Laksha Kumkumarchana and Chandi Homam, ensuring hassle-free participation for devotees. Officials have been told to complete all arrangements by September 20. Additional staff from other districts would be deployed based on need.

Vijayawada police commissioner Rajasekhara Babu said this year’s arrangements would be more stringent and technologically advanced.

Drones: Compared to the use of three or four drones last year, 42 drones would now be deployed, alongside 5,000 CCTV cameras in the Commissionerate limits. Tools like the e-Deployment App and the Astra Traffic Management System would ensure seamless crowd and traffic control. Coordination meetings and field visits would continue over the next 50 days, especially with the Vijayawada Utsav that’s also being held during this period.

Temple EO Seena Naik assured the meeting that the temple administration would work in close coordination with all departments.