SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday inaugurated the “CCTV Surveillance System with Integrated Command & Control Centre” at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra, aimed at improving surveillance, crowd control, and emergency response.
The project includes an AI-powered Command and Control Centre at Katra and seven sub-control centres along the pilgrimage route. It will enable round-the-clock monitoring of high-traffic and vulnerable zones to support real-time crowd management and emergency response.
Speaking at the inauguration, LG Sinha said the new infrastructure would ensure a safer and more secure pilgrimage through real-time monitoring and actionable data. He said the system would allow faster coordination with emergency responders and help in handling security breaches and medical emergencies efficiently.
The system integrates over 700 cameras, including 170 new high-definition IP cameras and more than 500 existing ones, covering critical locations such as entry and exit points, congregation areas, and the pilgrimage path.
Key features include facial recognition, gesture detection, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), intrusion alerts, and crowd management tools. The system can automatically flag congestion, landslides, and route blockages for immediate action.
Anshul Garg, CEO of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, gave a technical briefing on the system’s functions and expected benefits. He said the system would enhance operational coordination and decision-making during peak movement periods.
The LG also interacted with engineers and staff, stressing the importance of regular training and inter-agency coordination to maximise the system’s utility.
Recently, the Shrine Board has also provided upgraded security equipment, including X-ray baggage scanners, metal detectors, and under-vehicle scanners, following a joint security review last year.
Dr Ashok Bhan, Member of the Shrine Board; IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti; Reasi Deputy Commissioner Nidhi Malik; and senior officers from police, security agencies, and the Shrine Board attended the event.
