Future-ready AI surveillance likely to guard Ram temple in Ayodhya

AI surveillance could help in detecting frequent visitors or any suspicious trend spotted within the temple premises

Future-ready Artificial Intelligence (AI) surveillance is likely to be introduced for the security of the Ram Mandir, where pilgrim footfalls are expected to increase sizeably post January 22 inauguration.

Police personnel keep vigil after security arrangements heightened before the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in Ayodhya(ANI)

“The pilot project of AI surveillance is likely to be launched for Ayodhya. After some time, if found feasible, it could be made an integral part of the security and surveillance drill,” a senior police official said.

“The threat perception of Ram temple is high. So, we need to keep a tight vigil on all movements in Ayodhya,” the official said.

“The AI surveillance could help in detecting frequent visitors or any common trend followed by a group of people, or any other suspicious trend spotted within the temple premises. A security alert would be raised automatically, and security agencies would be able to follow-up,” this official said.

“The security scheme for January 22 event is yet to be finalised,” the official said. He added officials from the state as well as the central agencies are still analysing the threat perception and security requirement.

“The manual as well as video surveillance is already in place in the red zone where Ram Temple is located. About 38 officers of local intelligence unit have been deployed there to keep vigil on every movement,” the official confirmed.

He said the verification process of every individual, from taxi drivers, e-rickshaw drivers, hotel staff, beggars, priests, residents, in the Ram temple vicinity, is being done as well as guest lists of the event and people or staff accompanying them was being verified.

Massive security deployment for January 22

“A senior police official said 26 companies of paramilitary and PAC along with nearly 8000 civil police personnel are likely for the event. UP Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) and Special Task Force teams and central agencies like National Security Guards are also going to be deployed,” he added.

Road diversions to Ayodhya, other districts

“For the day of event, traffic diversions will be made on all roads heading towards Ayodhya. These road stretches will be made free of encroachments to ensure visitors don’t face any problems,” the official said.

Existing security plan

As of now, six companies of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), three companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and nine companies of UP Special Security Force (UPSSF), 304 civil police personnel and one platoon PAC commandos are deployed in the red zone.

The deployment includes bomb disposal squads and anti-sabotage teams, four personnel of police radio communications and 47 fire fighters.

“For the yellow zone, which is other than the temple premises, 34 sub inspectors, 71 head constables and 312 constables have been deployed for security,” a senior official said.