AI-based fencing to protect devotees planning to take dip in Saryu

AYODHYA:

Ayodhya Development Authority

has roped in a technology partner to deploy AI-based

virtual fencing

at the

Saryu

ghat to protect devotees during

Ram Navami snan

on Wednesday.
While ropes and chains would be put at the ghat along with buoys, a virtual line will be also created within 10-15 metres from the ghats for the safety of pilgrims.
Ayodhya

divisional commissioner Gaurav Dayal said, “Last year 10 lakh devotees had assembled to take a dip in the Saryu.

The virtual fence would protect people taking a bath in Saryu river from any untoward incident and help us in crowd control.”

ADA vice-chairman Ashwini Pandey said the partner firm would also provide estimates of the crowd at Naya ghat. “Series of cameras have been installed along the route leading to

Naya ghat

where maximum devotees gather for the dip. Virtual fencing is being experimented for the first time and we would use it in forthcoming events after analysing the data provided to us,” said Pandey.
Meanwhile, pilgrims visiting the

Ram temple

on Wednesday would have to walk at least 5-6km.

Ram temple trust

and administration have put in extra efforts to protest the devotees from scorching heat.

Carpets and mats have been lined up on key routes leading to Ramjanmabhoomi Path from Dharam Path and Tedhi Bazaar crossing from where vehicles will be diverted to the parking lots. Devotees should carry an umbrella, piece of cloth or cap to cover the head as the canopy cover would only be available near the Birla Dharamshala, officials said.
Specially fabricated shoe stands and water stations have been set up to cater to the rush of the devotees along with mobile toilets. At 15 locations, drop down barriers have been installed to regulate the crowd towards Ramjanmabhoomi Path from Ram Path.
The temple trust on Tuesday announced that panjiri prasad made up of coriander seeds and other items would be distributed to the devotees once they start exiting from the temple.
On Tuesday, miniature artist from Jaipur, Naveen Sharma presented a special gift to Trust general secretary Champat Rai. Having worked on a painting for more than five years, Naveen handed over the 3ft by 2ft frame to Rai, which covers more than 500 episodes from Hindu epics and the name of Ram inscribed on the painting 51,000 times.