In a significant step towards enhancing security and crowd management, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today inaugurated the “CCTV Surveillance System with Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC)” for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor highlighted that the state-of-the-art system would ensure a safer and more seamless pilgrimage experience. “Cutting-edge technology will enable real-time monitoring and crowd management, ensuring the safety and security of devotees. This initiative guarantees a hassle-free pilgrimage,” he stated.
The ICCC, located at Katra, is supported by seven Sub-Control Centres strategically placed along the yatra route to enable localized monitoring and rapid coordination. The system allows 24×7 surveillance of high-traffic and sensitive zones, facilitating proactive responses to crowd congestion, emergencies, and potential threats.
Over 700 cameras have been deployed under the project, including 170 new high-definition IP cameras, alongside the integration of more than 500 existing ones. These cameras cover all vital areas such as entry and exit points, congregation zones, and the entire pilgrimage track.
The surveillance network is powered by advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) features, including:
- Facial Recognition
- Gesture Recognition
- Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
- Intrusion Detection System
- AI-driven Crowd Management Tools
These features not only provide situational awareness but also generate automated alerts during potential incidents like crowd surges, landslides, route obstructions, or security breaches.
Anshul Garg, CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), provided a comprehensive presentation detailing the technical architecture and benefits of the ICCC. He emphasized the system’s role in ensuring efficient day-to-day operations and emergency response.
During his visit, the Lt Governor interacted with engineers and operational teams, stressing the importance of continuous staff training and seamless coordination with security forces to maximize the system’s effectiveness.
The Shrine Board has also recently upgraded its security arsenal with X-Ray Baggage Scanners, Door Frame Metal Detectors, Hand-Held Metal Detectors, and Under Vehicle Search Mirrors, following a joint security audit conducted last year on the Lt Governor’s directives.
Present at the occasion were Dr. Ashok Bhan (Member, SMVDSB), Bhim Sen Tuti (IGP Jammu), Nidhi Malik (Deputy Commissioner, Reasi), and senior officials from the police, security agencies, and Shrine Board.
This technology-led transformation marks a new era in pilgrimage safety and administration at one of India’s most revered spiritual destinations.
