Prayagraj: The Maha Kumbh Mela, the world's largest human gathering, has always been a spectacle of devotion, faith and culture. As millions of pilgrims congregate for this spiritual event, the challenge of ensuring safety, crowd management and security becomes challenging. For Mahakumbh 2025, Uttar Pradesh Police has turned to advanced technology, marking a paradigm shift in how such large-scale events are managed. At the forefront of this transformation are tethered drones, equipped with state-of-the-art thermal and infrared cameras, providing uninterrupted aerial surveillance. These drones, connected to ground stations, can operate round-the-clock, rising up to 120 meters and covering a 3 km radius. They deliver real-time 4K video feeds, enabling authorities to monitor vast areas efficiently and make swift, informed decisions during emergencies.

Drones are playing a pivotal role across multiple domains. In crowd management, high-resolution imaging enables authorities to monitor density and regulate the flow of pilgrims, particularly at critical entry points like railway stations. These drones are also instrumental in detecting suspicious activities, using advanced imaging to identify security breaches and track individuals involved in unlawful acts such as eve-teasing. Traffic regulation has also been revolutionized with real-time drone surveillance, which helps implement diversion plans and reduce congestion in high-density areas. Furthermore, drones act as first responders during emergencies, providing vital data to optimize the deployment of on-ground personnel, ensuring both the safety of pilgrims and the protection of VIPs.

Complementing this aerial surveillance are anti-drone systems, which have been strategically deployed to neutralize unauthorized drones. Using RF-based technology, these systems can detect rogue drones within a 15 km radius, jam signals within 2 km, and intercept threats up to 8 km away. The success of these systems was demonstrated during the Makar Sankranti event, where several unauthorized drones attempting to enter restricted zones were swiftly neutralized.

The combination of tethered drones, anti-drone systems and data-driven decision-making has ushered in a new era of vigilance, blending tradition with modernity. This innovative approach not only sets a benchmark for managing large-scale events but also showcases how technology can act as a guardian of faith, ensuring the safety and security of all. As Mahakumbh 2025 unfolds, it stands as a testament to the transformative power of technology in preserving the sanctity and spirit of India’s cultural heritage.