AI Deployed Extensively For Dasara Security: DGP

Andhra Pradesh director general of police Harish Kumar Gupta said the police were extensively deploying artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technological systems to ensure devotees’ safety, regulate crowds and manage traffic during the ongoing Dasara Sharannavaratri festivities at the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy temple on Indrakeeladri.

The DGP inspected the police command control centre set up at the Model Guest House in Vijayawada on Wednesday and reviewed the security arrangements for the ongoing festivities, which will continue until October 20.

He also issued instructions to senior officers on security arrangements for President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Vijayawada on Wednesday and Thursday. The review covered route maps, convoy management, security at public meeting venues and arrangements at places where the President will stay.

Gupta said the police were giving greater importance to technology-driven surveillance alongside conventional policing, considering the large number of devotees visiting the temple during the festival. “We are extensively using artificial intelligence in policing during this year’s Dasara festivities,” he said.

AI-based crowd analysis was being used to assess the movement of devotees, identify areas likely to witness heavy rush and alert personnel wherever additional deployment was required, he said.

The command control centre was equipped to monitor situations in different areas and coordinate responses. Technological inputs were being used to regulate crowds, divert traffic and respond swiftly to emergencies, with field personnel being coordinated to take immediate action whenever necessary.

The DGP stressed that technology alone would not be sufficient to ensure smooth conduct of the festivities. Human supervision, effective deployment of police personnel on the ground and coordination among various government departments remained equally important. The police department’s priority was to use technology efficiently and provide devotees with a safe and convenient darshan of the presiding deity, he said.

Police officials appealed to devotees to follow instructions issued by the police, maintain discipline while moving through queue lines and avoid entering unauthorised routes. They also urged visitors to remain vigilant about the safety of children and elderly devotees and assist those requiring help.

Devotees were advised to immediately approach nearby police personnel if they encountered any problems during their visit.

Vijayawada police commissioner S.V. Raja Sekhara Babu, deputy commissioners of police Krishna Prasanna and Gunnam Ramakrishna, temple executive officer Seena Naik, and other police officers and personnel participated in the inspection.