The Uttar Pradesh government has tightened security in Ayodhya ahead of the Ram Temple consecration ceremony through round-the-clock “land, air, and water surveillance”, senior officials said.
The exercise involves an extensive use of technology alongside the deployment of personnel on the ground.
“While the state government has deployed a large number of police personnel, including those from the Anti-Terror Squad (ATS), Special Task Force (STF), Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and the UP Special Security Force (UPSSF) in Ayodhya, it is also using technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), anti-drone systems, and CCTV cameras to maintain a vigil across the city,” said an official.
“Also, a contingent of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed along the Sarayu river and the river ghats. Barcoding is being implemented to ensure the security of guests,” the official added.
Ayodhya Inspector General of Police (IGP) Praveen Kumar said personnel of the CRPF have also been stationed with central intelligence agencies like the Intelligence Bureau (IB) keeping an eye on the situation.
“On the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, massive police contingents have been deployed in Ayodhya for the consecration ceremony. The security of Ayodhya Dham has been divided into two zones — red and yellow,” said Kumar.
“The security contingent comprises more than 100 deputy superintendents of police (DSPs), 325 inspectors, and 800 sub-inspectors from various districts of the state. Additionally, 11,000 personnel from the police and paramilitary forces will be deployed before the main event,” he added.
“For VIP security, three deputy inspector generals (DIGs), 17 SPs, 40 ASPs, 82 DSPs, 90 inspectors, more than 1,000 constables, with four companies of PAC have been stationed,” he added.
An emphasis is being placed on better coordination between all agencies involved in the security to avoid any lapses, he said, adding that special arrangements have been made for railway security.
“Adequate additional security personnel have been provided for the railway police. The forces deployed in Ayodhya are receiving training to ensure they interact properly with devotees and guests. Furthermore, 250 police guides have been appointed to provide information about the tourist spots, while a digital tourist app will be launched on January 14 for the same,” he said.
The state government said in a press release, “The entire city is being monitored through the Municipal Corporation’s Information Technology Management System (ITMS), CCTV cameras, and police control room. For this purpose, 1,500 CCTV cameras installed in public places have been integrated with the ITMS. In the yellow zone, AI-based big screens have been integrated with ITMS at 10,715 locations for facial recognition.”
“Additionally, arrangements for OFC-linked cameras have been made. The entire security system is making extensive use of AI technology. Highly sensitive red and yellow zones have been secured under the anti-drone systems numbering 12. Through this, any drone flying within a radius of 5 kilometres can be located. Any drone can be deactivated through this system,” it added.
