Around 10,000 CCTV cameras and drones equipped with artificial intelligence have been deployed in Ayodhya as the temple city is all set for the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony on Monday.
Hundreds of police personnel with multi-lingual skills both in uniform and in plain clothes have been patrolling the streets round the clock.
"Ayodhya is now under the watchful eye of drones equipped with artificial intelligence, alongside the utilisation of anti-mine drones, as part of the concerted efforts to enhance security in the temple town," a senior police official told PTI.
The AI-supported drones are conducting aerial surveillance across Ayodhya while anti-mine drones are simultaneously inspecting the ground for mines or explosives, he said.
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Operating at a height of one metre above the ground, the anti-mine drones are equipped with advanced technology like spectrometer wavelength detection for detecting underground explosives.
Technology is being used on a large scale to ensure better security arrangements at the programme venue in Ayodhya, Director General (DG), Law and Order, Prashant Kumar said. The security along the Saryu river has also been increased with the help of NDRF and SDRF teams, he said.
The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony will begin at 12.30 pm and is expected to end by 1 pm. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will then address a gathering of more than 7,000 people, including seers and prominent personalities, at the venue.
The shrine will be opened to the public a day later.
A team of priests led by Lakshmikant Dixit will lead the main rituals. Several celebrities and noted personalities have been invited to the ceremony.
The new 51-inch idol of Ram Lalla, sculpted by Mysuru-based Arun Yogiraj, was placed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple last Thursday. Fourteen couples will be the "yajmaans" for the "Pran Pratishtha
Lakhs of people are expected to watch the live streaming of the event as the Centre and many other state governments have declared a half-day holiday for their employees on January 22.
On Sunday, the idol of Lord Rama was bathed with sacred water from 114 Kalash (vases), containing medicated water and holy water from various pilgrimage sites from across the country.
"All preparations have been made. We are waiting for PM Modi and the grand temple of Lord Ram is ready. Everyone is happy," Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said.
