Ishita Malakar, Pune
The Odisha Police Authority mentions that Jagannath Ratha Yatra 2024 in Puri will be technology driven with drones and AI operated CCTV cameras to control crowds. Odisha known for its sanctimonious occasion of Ratha Yatra where hundreds and thousands of pilgrims and spectators from all across the world visit to have a look and pay their homage to the Hindu deities of Jagannath, Balarama and Subhadra, this year has implemented AI driven drones for a smoother experience for those visiting.
This religious event, which is as old as the Jagannath Temple in Puri have been preserved year after year by the people of Odisha. But this will be the first time ever for the Odisha Police Authorities to implement and take help of AI-based CCTV cameras which they have placed at around 40 points, as mentioned by the Traffic DGP Dayal Gangwar. They would also be using drones with camera systems that will identify the areas where there might be possible crowd or traffic. These drones contain PA (Public Address) System to help the traffic police officers control areas that usually contain uncontrollable jams every year. And these drones will be informing the control room of traffic situations.
Moreover, passengers will be assisted of traffic jams through their mobile phones. A WhatsApp group has been created through which visitors can scan through QR Code Scanners to easily know about the traffic situation on all the major roads in Puri. About 450 police officers along with 50 platoon forces has been employed for smooth traffic management. On the Puri-Bhubaneshwar National Highway a three-lane traffic has been projected.
About 150 local buses for the tourists has been arranged along with 500 regular buses and 190 block buses from other states. On Puri-Konark, Puri-Brahmgiri and Puri-Bhubaneshwar roads, special parking places has been made available for the public. A mock drill was also conducted by the Police Authorities to demonstrate how the Ratha Yatra will be held and how chariots will be pulled as mentioned by the ADG himself.
The highlight of this year besides the AI-controlled traffic and drone system, has been the chariot models of the deities which were handcrafted by a local artist from Bhubaneshwar named L Eswar Rao. Supporting eco-friendly choices, the miniature chariots for the deities were made using paper, incense sticks and tamarind paste and were completed in a span of seven days which he tributed to the deities.
Odisha’s innovative use of technology to control crowds and more importantly preserve their year-long religious tradition this year has proven to ensure a safer, smoother and harmonious experience among the visitors.