India is now resorting to cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure the safety of millions of pilgrims at the Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. Authorities have announced that AI-powered technology will be used to monitor and manage crowd sizes, minimizing the risk of stampedes in the densely packed festival.
The AI system will be able to provide accurate estimates of crowd size by analyzing feeds from real-time video and drone footage. It can alert officials of potential bottlenecks, so that authorities could take proactive measures, such as redirecting foot traffic or increasing security presence in high-risk areas. This move marks a major step forward for India in using technology for the safety of its citizens at large-scale events.
The Kumbh Mela, which attracts millions of devotees seeking spiritual cleansing, has historically faced challenges in crowd management. Previous editions of the event have seen tragic incidents caused by overcrowding. The introduction of AI aims to transform these logistical challenges into manageable tasks by providing actionable insights to on-ground teams.
According to officials, use of AI will contribute not just to enhanced safety but also to a global standard for the application of advanced technologies at other mass gatherings across the world. As preparations are stepped up, the initiative has received applause for both tradition and innovation seen in protecting the attendees.
