Mysuru: With the number of devotees visiting the Chamundeshwari Temple increasing after the Ashadha month, the Chamundi Hills Authority has strengthened security by installing an advanced AI-based surveillance system across the temple premises. The initiative is aimed at ensuring the safety of pilgrims, preventing untoward incidents and improving crowd management through real-time monitoring.
The enhanced surveillance comes in the wake of heightened concerns over crowd safety at major public gatherings. Authorities said the new system is designed to maintain strict vigilance while ensuring a smooth and secure darshan experience for devotees.
AI-powered surveillance introduced
The Chamundi Hills Authority has implemented an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based facial recognition surveillance system in collaboration with Purvi Elite Technology Pvt. Ltd.
The system consists of 161 high-definition cameras installed at strategic locations across Chamundi Hills, enabling continuous monitoring of devotees, temple staff and security personnel.
Officials said the technology is intended to strengthen security arrangements and assist in the effective management of the increasing number of visitors.
Cameras cover key locations
The surveillance cameras have been installed at major points, including the stairway leading to the temple, the bus stand, the temple complex, the cultural platform, and the inner and outer premises of the shrine.
Every movement within these areas is monitored through the integrated surveillance network.
The system enables authorities to track crowd movement, estimate the number of devotees entering and leaving the temple premises, and monitor activity at sensitive locations.
System records visitor movement
According to officials, the AI-enabled system captures the movement of every devotee visiting the temple.
It records visitor data, including the number of pilgrims entering and exiting the premises, and helps authorities assess the time taken by devotees to complete their darshan.
The system can also maintain records of VIP visits and monitor accompanying personnel, enabling better security coordination during high-profile visits.
Alerts for prohibited activities
Officials said the surveillance network has been equipped with intelligent monitoring features capable of detecting certain prohibited activities.
If a devotee attempts to take photographs in restricted areas of the temple, the system can immediately alert the authorities, allowing security personnel to respond promptly.
The AI-based monitoring is also expected to help identify suspicious movements and prevent anti-social activities within the temple premises.
Focus on crowd safety
The Chamundi Hills Authority said the upgraded security measures have been introduced as a precautionary step to ensure the safety of devotees during periods of heavy footfall.
The authority has paid particular attention to crowd management following recent concerns over public safety at large gatherings elsewhere in the state.
Officials said the surveillance system will enable quicker response to emergencies, improve coordination among security personnel and minimise the risk of untoward incidents.
Technology to enhance pilgrim experience
Apart from improving security, the AI surveillance system is expected to assist the temple administration in analysing visitor patterns and managing crowd flow more efficiently.
Authorities believe the technology will help reduce congestion, improve operational planning and provide devotees with a safer and more organised darshan experience.
With pilgrim numbers expected to remain high in the coming months, the Chamundi Hills Authority has appealed to devotees to cooperate with security personnel and follow temple regulations, including restrictions on photography in prohibited areas.
Conclusion
The installation of an AI-powered surveillance system marks a significant step towards modernising security arrangements at the Chamundeshwari Temple. By combining advanced technology with continuous monitoring, the Chamundi Hills Authority aims to ensure a safe, orderly and hassle-free pilgrimage experience for thousands of devotees visiting one of Karnataka’s most prominent religious destinations.