To accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims, a sprawling tent city has been erected across 4,000 hectares (about 9,990 acres) along the sacred riverbanks.
Image: Reuters
- Housing and sanitation: Over 150,000 tents provide temporary shelters for devotees, complemented by an equal number of toilets to ensure sanitation standards.
- Illumination: Pathways and campsites are illuminated with 69,000 LED and solar-powered lights, creating a well-lit, eco-friendly environment.
- Cleanliness: A workforce of 15,000 sanitation workers operates round-the-clock to maintain hygiene and manage waste efficiently.
Massive Security Arrangements
Security is a cornerstone of the festival’s management, with authorities implementing an extensive and multi-layered safety plan.
- Personnel deployment: More than 50,000 personnel, including local police, paramilitary forces, and bomb disposal squads, are stationed at key locations.
- Water patrols: Three floating “water police stations” patrol the rivers to ensure safety on the waterways.
- Checkpoints: Temporary police stations and numerous checkpoints have been established across the city to manage crowds and prevent untoward incidents.
Image: Reuters
Technology at the Forefront
Advanced technology is being used to monitor and secure the event, showcasing a blend of innovation and foresight.
- Surveillance Systems: Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and drones provide real-time monitoring of the festival area.
- Drone Management: Anti-drone systems are deployed to detect and neutralise unauthorised drones.
- Underwater Drones: These high-tech devices, capable of operating at depths of up to 100 meters (3,330 feet), ensure underwater safety and are equipped to work in low-light conditions.
Fire safety measures
Given the scale of the event, fire safety is a critical concern, and authorities have put in best foot forward to mitigate risks.
- Preparedness: Each tent is equipped with firefighting equipment, ensuring immediate response capabilities.
- Investment: Over ₹1.3 billion ($15 million) has been allocated to fire safety initiatives.
- Resources: A fleet of 351 firefighting vehicles and 2,000 trained personnel is stationed to tackle any emergencies swiftly.
Image: Reuters
Lost-and-found centres:
With such large crowds, family members getting separated is a frequent occurrence. Special measures have been put in place to address this challenge.
- Dedicated Centres: Lost-and-found centres include dedicated sections for women and children to ensure their safety.
- Continuous Announcements: Loudspeakers installed along the riverbanks and other key areas make regular announcements to help reunite separated individuals.
