Extensive security measures will be put in place for the Maha Kumbh 2025, with 37,000-plus police personnel on duty, and a seven-tier security system designed to respond quickly to any emergency and also to prevent any mishaps.
The first point of security will be frisking all individuals and thoroughly searching all vehicles entering the mela area. A larger search operation will cover the state’s borders. The fourth will entail selective searches at toll plazas.
ALSO READ: Authorities race against time to complete 500 projects
The borders of Prayagraj will also be closely guarded. The mela area will have two search cordons—at the outer perimeter and one closer to the centre of the mela.
More than 22,000 police personnel will be active in the mela area. Some 6,800 will be posted in the Prayagraj Commissionerate. Over 1,300 female police personnel will be deployed specifically for female devotees.
ALSO READ: Akhara Parishad to do away with words of Urdu or Persian origin
In addition, AI-enabled CCTV cameras will be deployed to keep an eye on the meals area. A total of 2,700 CCTVs will be installed—half will be AI enabled and will help detect where the crowds are swelling, which way they are moving and which direction they can be diverted to avoid overcrowding of any sort.
In addition to the state’s police, and the Railway police; the Anti-Terrorism Force, Special Task Force and snipers will be on duty in the area.
ALSO READ: Hi-tech lost-and-found centres to help families trace missing members
All entry points will be controlled so that there is no unexpected influx of devotees when the mela area is packed to capacity.
The fairgrounds will be divided into 10 zones, 25 sectors, 56 police stations, and 155 posts to ensure that security measures are adequate and streamlined.
The Maha Kumbh 2013 saw a total of 22,996 police personnel on duty. At the Ardh Kumbh in 2019, 27,550 police personnel were in service.
