Odisha Police using drones, AI cameras to control huge rush of devotees to witness Suna Besha

As Puri prepares for the grand Suna Besha ceremony, where Lord Jagannath will be adorned in a golden attire, Odisha Police is employing advanced technology to manage the expected influx of millions of devotees. To ensure safety and efficient crowd control, the police are utilizing drones and AI-powered cameras. ADG (Traffic) Dayal Gangwar emphasized the rising number of vehicles heading from Bhubaneswar to Puri. To mitigate congestion, dynamic diversions are being implemented, aiming to reduce waiting times at key entry points like Batgaon and Maltipatpur. Currently, the estimated wait time at Batgaon stands at approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan anticipates around 1.5 million attendees for the event, highlighting that last night alone saw about 200,000 devotees already pay their respects to the deities on their chariots. The administration is taking proactive measures to handle the situation effectively, with the Suna Besha rituals scheduled from 6:30 PM to 11 PM. The police have issued a 'Suna Besha Yatra Alert,' indicating that all parking facilities in Puri have reached capacity due to the influx of pilgrims arriving throughout the night. Vehicles are being redirected to alternative parking areas based on availability, and longer wait times may be expected at Batgaon and Maltipatpur. In response to this significant gathering, Odisha DGP Y B Khurania is personally overseeing crowd management from the Integrated Crowd Control Centre (ICCC). He has urged devotees to adhere to advisories and maintain order during the darshan period. Similar to previous events like Rath Yatra, the use of drones and AI surveillance aims to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow. The non-stop arrival of devotees on Saturday night has contributed to the large crowd, as the deities remained on their chariots for public viewing. This continuous access led to a surge in participation, with morning rituals being performed as planned on Sunday. The three chariots of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath are now stationed at the Singha Dwar of the temple, following their nine-day annual journey. The successful management of the preceding Bahuda Yatra has set a positive precedent for the upcoming Suna Besha, with enhanced security and crowd control measures in place, particularly in light of a recent tragic incident that resulted in the death of three devotees in a stampede. SJTA chief administrator Arabinda Padhee has called for collaboration from all involved to ensure the smooth execution of the Suna Besha rituals, reinforcing the commitment to safety and order during this significant religious event.