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Samskruti Kumbh
AI Monitoring Shows 70 Lakhs Crowd at Kumbh Mela at Any Given Time
Bharath, Project Assistant
bharathkumar1865@gmail.com
The Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13, 2025, unfolds to mark the world's largest gathering of people over the 45-day event. On Paush Purnima, nearly 1.65 crore devotees converged at the Triveni Sangam and the ghats along the river to take part in the sacred ritual. In addition to this, the area sees around 50 to 60 lakh people staying at the Mela, including over 20 lakh Kalpewasis who stay for a month, accompanied by 2 to 3 people each. Furthermore, numerous devotees affiliated with the 13 Akharas and other groups also join the Mela throughout its duration. Managing such an immense crowd requires cutting-edge technology, and for this, authorities have turned to advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems to monitor and ensure the safety of the attendees.
Crowd Estimates and AI Integration
The Mela sees about 10 to 15 lakh visitors on regular days, along with an additional 50 to 60 lakh residents in the surrounding areas. During peak days, such as
Paush Purnima and Mauni Amavasya, the attendance can surge to up to 6 crore people. AI-enabled trackers are being used to monitor the crowd in real-time. These systems help authorities track population density, monitor the inflow and outflow of people, and issue timely alerts to avoid overcrowding. The AI tools have shown an impressive accuracy rate of 90 to 92% in estimating the crowd density per square meter.
AI-Driven Surveillance and Management
Thousands of cameras, including AI-powered ones, have been set up across the Mela grounds to provide real-time surveillance. These cameras are capable of detecting crowd surges and congestion, allowing officials to respond quickly to any potential safety issues. The AI systems help prevent bottlenecks, manage crowd movement, and ensure the smooth operation of traffic within the Mela area.
Moreover, AI is used to improve security by enabling automatic detection of unusual behavior or objects, enhancing the overall safety of the event. This integration of AI helps maintain a balance between the traditional essence of the Mela and the need for modern safety and management practices.
Enhanced Safety Measures
In addition to crowd management, AI is also used to enhance security measures. The surveillance cameras are designed to track missing persons, help identify potential security threats, and assist in keeping a watchful eye over large crowds, thus ensuring minimal disruption. The AI models play a crucial role in maintaining a secure environment while accommodating millions of attendees.
Preparation for Peak Days
The peak days of the Mela, especially Mauni Amavasya (January 29, 2025), are expected to see a massive influx of devotees, with an estimated 6 crore people participating in the sacred bath (Shahi Snan). To prepare for these events, authorities have increased the deployment of AI-powered systems. These technologies are essential to handle the crowd control effectively, manage logistics, and ensure the safety of every individual attending the Mela.
The use of AI in crowd monitoring during the Maha Kumbh Mela represents a significant step forward in the management of large-scale events, blending ancient traditions with modern technologies. It has set a global precedent for handling massive crowds at such events, providing a safer and more organized experience for millions of attendees.
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