Indian authorities have announced the implementation of a mandatory ID verification system for all visitors attending the upcoming Mahakumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, establishing a major advancement in digital identity management for one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. The system extends India’s growing digital identity infrastructure, which has seen widespread adoption of the Aadhaar biometric ID system across various sectors.
The verification process, which will continue through January 13, 2025, requires recording identity cards, names, addresses, and mobile numbers of all individuals entering the fair area, including employees, shop owners, saints, guests, and police personnel. The initiative addresses recent security concerns, including specific threats targeting the event, and represents a substantial evolution from traditional paper-based verification methods used in previous Kumbh Melas.
SSP (Kumbh) Rajesh Dwivedi emphasized the importance of verifying even individuals in police uniforms to prevent potential security breaches through disguise. The mela police have already begun implementing Operation Verification to manage the identification process, incorporating lessons learned from previous large-scale events in India.
The Uttar Pradesh Government is deploying advanced technology solutions to support the security infrastructure, including attribute-based search cameras, RFID wristbands for tracking entry and exit times, and GPS-enabled mobile app tracking with visitor consent. These technologies mark a significant upgrade from the basic surveillance systems used in the 2019 Kumbh Mela, showing the government’s commitment to modernizing security protocols.
“We are organising a divine, grand and digital Maha Kumbh. The preparations include the launch of a dedicated website and app, an AI-powered chatbot in 11 languages, QR-based passes for people and vehicles, and a multilingual digital lost-and-found centre,” said Minister Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’. The integration of AI-powered systems builds upon recent developments in India’s digital authentication landscape, where similar technologies have been successfully deployed in other large-scale events.
Security operations already underway include Operation Kavach, which involves vehicle inspections at Shastri Bridge, and Operation Mahavir for tent city camp inspections. ADG Zone Bhanu Bhaskar has led officials in inspecting key locations including the Kali Marg Pontoon bridge, Sangam area, Akshay Vat, Lete Hanuman temple, and Daraganj area ghats. These operations incorporate advanced biometric verification systems similar to those used in other Indian states for large gatherings.
The event will employ a three-tier security system with multiple verification checkpoints, representing one of the most comprehensive digital identity verification deployments in India’s religious gatherings. The system incorporates AI-powered cameras and drones for real-time crowd monitoring, with special attention to managing attendance during primary bathing dates. Trained personnel will be stationed throughout to facilitate visitor movement and maintain safety protocols, supported by advanced digital authentication tools that can process thousands of verifications per hour.
Sources: Hindustan Times, The Tribune India, Hexahome
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