Massive Multi-Level Security in Place for Kanwar Yatra in Uttar Pradesh: Surveillance from Water, Land, and Air

Lucknow, UP News: The Uttar Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has undertaken comprehensive preparations to ensure the Kanwar Yatra is safe, smooth, and well-organized. In a first-of-its-kind multi-level strategy, security arrangements have been enforced across water, land, and air — making it one of the most technologically secured pilgrimages in India.

3-Tier Security Framework: Water, Land, and Air

To maintain law and order during the massive religious procession, the government has deployed an integrated force. Water Police are active in riverine zones, while on land, specialized units such as the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Rapid Action Force (RAF), and Quick Response Teams (QRT) have been positioned along the Yatra routes.

From the sky, state-of-the-art surveillance is being carried out using high-tech drones, including anti-drone systems and tethered drones, ensuring 24×7 aerial vigilance. These drones provide live feeds directly to the newly set-up modern control room at the DGP headquarters.

29,000+ CCTV Cameras and 395 Drones Monitor the Yatra in Real Time

Under CM Yogi’s direct supervision, authorities have replicated the successful Mahakumbh model to handle the logistical and security challenges of the Kanwar Yatra. More than 29,454 CCTV cameras have been strategically installed across key Kanwar routes and sensitive locations.

Adding another layer of security, 395 high-tech drones are being used for real-time aerial surveillance, supported by anti-drone and tethered drone systems. The tethered drones, which remain stationary in the air and are powered through cables, offer uninterrupted, stable monitoring — particularly valuable in managing crowd movements and identifying emergency situations quickly.

24×7 Command Center and Dedicated Social Media Monitoring Team

A state-of-the-art modern control room has been established at the police headquarters, ensuring 24×7 real-time monitoring. A special eight-member social media monitoring unit has also been tasked with keeping tabs on fake news, misinformation, or any provocative content. These efforts help prevent rumor-mongering and ensure immediate alerts are dispatched to concerned district officials.

Additionally, a separate team keeps continuous watch on inputs received via electronic media, UP-112 emergency services, and other sources, strengthening the information network during the Yatra.

Direct Connect via QR Code and Massive Police Deployment

In a significant tech-driven initiative, all essential information related to the Yatra — including police helpline numbers, traffic diversion plans, and safety instructions — is being shared with devotees via QR codes displayed on hoardings, newspapers, and social media. Pilgrims can use these codes to directly connect with officials in case of emergencies.

The scale of the security deployment is unprecedented:

• 587 gazetted officers
• 2,040 inspectors
• 13,520 sub-inspectors
• 39,965 constables
• 1,486 female sub-inspectors and 8,541 female constables
• 50 PAC companies and central forces
• 1,424 home guards

Inter-State Coordination via WhatsApp for Seamless Information Exchange

Recognizing the inter-state nature of the Yatra, a dedicated WhatsApp group has been created with officials from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan to facilitate real-time updates on route conditions, security concerns, and crowd management. This cross-border coordination ensures synchronized efforts in managing the pilgrim traffic.

How Anti-Drone and Tethered Drone Technologies Are Revolutionizing Security

The anti-drone systems, developed indigenously by DRDO (like the D4S system: Detect, Deter, Destroy), use radar and sensors to detect rogue drones. Once identified, these drones are neutralized either through soft kill (jamming their communication links) or hard kill methods (destroying them with lasers or missiles).

Tethered drones, on the other hand, are connected to the ground via a cable, providing continuous power supply and positional stability. This makes them ideal for long-duration surveillance, particularly in sensitive or high-risk areas. These drones are already in use across defense, law enforcement, and emergency response sectors for their reliability and accuracy.