Ahead of Navratri, AI-enabled cameras, drones, security personnel tighten security in Katra

Heavy security arrangements including AIenabled CCTV cameras and drones are being put in place to avert any untoward incident at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine during the Navratri festivalChaitra spring Navratra will commence on March 30 and authorities are anticipating a large crowd of devotees thronging the cave shrine during the nineday festivalThese measures become all the more crucial following a fierce encounter with suspected Pakistani terrorists in the Kathua district resulting in the killing of three terrorists and four policemen The operation began early Thursday and was ongoing at the time of the latest reportsConducting a security audit of Katra the base camp of the cave shrine Reasi SSP Paramvir Singh said Security has been significantly strengthenediquestwe assure all devotees arriving from various parts of the country that they will be provided with adequate securityWe have conducted security checks at several locations in Katra town and are planning additional deployments at strategic locations he addedFurther joint teams of Central Reserve Police Force CRPF and police along with quick reaction teams have been deployed and remain vigilant the SSP informedDeputy Inspector General of Police Rayees Mohd Bhat said thorough security arrangements have been made including the deployment of drones as part of the security measuresMoreover the track leading to the shrine is being closely watched by the CRPFOfficials said that over 500600 CCTV cameras equipped with advanced AI capabilities have been installed along the pilgrimage routeThe cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is already witnessing increased footfallIn the past few days there has been a significant rise in the number of pilgrimsNearly 40000 pilgrims visit the Mata Vaishno Devi temple daily with numbers rising even further on weekends said Anshul Garg chief executive officer CEO SMVDSBHe further said that the number is expected to only rise in the coming daysOn its part the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board SMVDSB has built new infrastructure and arranged more facilities for the pilgrims during the festival from March 30 to April 7An allweather covered resting area for 1500 pilgrims at Ardhkuwari has been set up The area will feature a water ATM prasad kiosk refreshment unit and live telecast of garbhjoon aarti Additionally the renovated Darshani Deodi with a doublestorey queue complex is ready to welcome pilgrims this Chaitra Navratri the Board saidIn view of recent terror incidents and the upcoming Eid and Navratri festivals security has also been beefed up in Jammu city and along the highways with increased vehicle checks and frisking of peopleThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever