Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised on Artificial Intelligence made in India, made for the world. Our country can show the world how this technology can be effectively used in the 40-day Maha Kumbh Mela which is expected to draw millions of devotees from across the globe. This event will commence on 13 January 2025 and will conclude on 26 February 2025. Successful use of AI in Kumbh Mela will help in using this technology in other large religious events in India and abroad.
AI can be utilised in the Kumbh Mela of 2025 in a variety of ways to enhance the experience, improve safety, streamline logistics, and ensure better management of the large-scale event. Here are some potential applications:
1. CROWD MANAGEMENT AND SAFETY
Predictive Analytics for Crowd Flow: AI can analyse real-time data from surveillance cameras, sensors, and social media to predict crowd movement and congestion. By understanding patterns, AI can help authorities direct crowds to less crowded areas, preventing stampedes or accidents.
Drones and Surveillance: AI-powered drones can monitor vast areas, capturing live footage, and detecting potential risks or threats (like overcrowding or unusual behaviour). Drones equipped with AI can also assist in locating missing persons in the crowd.
Facial Recognition for Security: AI-driven facial recognition technology can help authorities identify individuals in the crowd, ensuring security and tracking the presence of potential security threats or lost persons.
2. TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT
AI-Driven Traffic Control: AI can optimise traffic flow around Kumbh Mela areas, adjusting traffic signals in real-time, and directing vehicles through the most efficient routes based on real-time traffic data.
Public Transport Optimisation: AI can manage bus and train schedules, predicting peak travel times and ensuring optimal deployment of resources. It could also help in creating dynamic routes for shuttle services, responding to demand in real time.
3. RESOURCE AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
Optimising Waste Collection: AI-powered systems could optimise waste collection routes, monitor waste levels in bins, and schedule pick-ups accordingly to maintain cleanliness and prevent overflows in the event area.
Water Quality Monitoring: AI can monitor the quality of water at the bathing sites, alerting authorities to any contamination or unsafe conditions. Machine learning models can predict water flow and assess the impact of weather changes.
4. VISITOR EXPERIENCE AND ASSISTANCE
Personalised Assistance via Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide pilgrims with real-time information on things like prayer timings, location of various amenities, or answers to frequently asked questions. These assistants could be available via mobile apps or kiosks at the venue.
Multilingual Support: AI-driven translation tools can help break language barriers, offering real-time translation services to pilgrims from different parts of the world.
5. HEALTH AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
AI-Powered Health Monitoring: Wearable devices integrated with AI can monitor the health of attendees (such as body temperature, heart rate, etc.). In case of health emergencies, AI systems can trigger alerts to medical staff for quick response.
AI in Telemedicine: Remote medical consultations can be facilitated through AI-powered telemedicine solutions, enabling pilgrims to access health advice, prescriptions, or consultations on-site, without the need for long wait times.
Predicting Health Risks: AI algorithms can analyse health data and predict potential outbreaks of diseases or health risks based on patterns observed during the event, allowing for timely interventions.
6. AI IN PLANNING AND LOGISTICS
Event Planning and Optimisation: AI can help plan the logistics of the event by analysing historical data, predicting the required number of facilities (toilets, food stalls, etc.), and optimising their placement across the site to minimise congestion.
Supply Chain Optimisation: AI can manage the supply chain for food, water, and other essential goods, forecasting demand and ensuring that resources are distributed efficiently across the event area.
7. CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS INSIGHTS
AI for Understanding Pilgrim Sentiment: By analysing social media posts and online interactions, AI can gauge the sentiment of pilgrims regarding their experience, helping authorities address issues or enhance the overall atmosphere.
AI in Managing Rituals: AI can assist in optimising the timing and location of various rituals and events to ensure smooth execution, considering factors like crowd size and available space.
8. SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
Energy Management: AI can help optimise energy usage at the event, ensuring that the lighting, power for stalls, and other electrical needs are met efficiently without wastage.
Solar-Powered AI Systems: With sustainability in mind, AI systems could be powered by renewable sources like solar energy, ensuring that AI solutions in Kumbh Mela are not just efficient but also environmentally responsible.
9. AI FOR PILGRIM SAFETY
Real-Time Location Tracking: AI-based apps could track the location of pilgrims and send notifications or guidance if they are lost, helping them reconnect with their groups or find their way to key areas.
Emergency Response Coordination: AI can coordinate emergency responses by analysing data from multiple sources, determining the best route for ambulances, and efficiently dispatching medical teams during emergencies.
10. DATA ANALYTICS FOR FUTURE EVENTS
Post-Event Analysis: After the event, AI tools can analyse large amounts of data collected during the festival (crowd movement, health data, feedback) to generate insights that can help plan future Kumbh Melas more efficiently.
Predictive Models for Future Events: AI can help predict the size and scale of future Kumbh Melas based on historical data, allowing for better infrastructure planning, resource allocation, and safety measures.
GOOGLE-UTTAR PRADESH GOVERNMENT TIE-UP
Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government and Google have signed an MoU, which will enable Google to showcase the entire tent city of Kumbh Mela online, and offer numerous benefits that will enhance the experience for pilgrims, authorities, and organisers. Here’s how this initiative could help:
Image Courtesy: Shutterstock
1. Virtual Accessibility and Remote Exploration
Remote Access to Tent City: Pilgrims and visitors can virtually explore the entire Kumbh Mela tent city from anywhere in the world. This will be especially useful for those who are unable to attend the event in person but wish to view the preparations, layout, and key locations.
Interactive Maps and Navigation: Google could integrate detailed, interactive maps that display the location of tents, important sites (like bathing ghats, temples, medical centres, etc.), and other critical infrastructure. This will help pilgrims navigate the massive event site more easily, reducing confusion and saving time.
2. Enhanced Safety and Crowd Management
Crowd Density Monitoring: With the integration of Google’s mapping and data analytics tools, authorities can monitor crowd density in real-time. This can help them predict where large crowds are forming and take proactive steps to avoid congestion and ensure smoother movement. By sharing this information online, attendees can also receive alerts about crowded areas, helping them avoid those locations.
Emergency Response: During emergencies, it will be easier for authorities to direct people to safer areas using online mapping tools. If any incidents occur, AI-powered analytics can provide quick insights into the crowd’s location, ensuring a faster and more efficient response.
3. Improved Pilgrim Experience
Detailed Information on Facilities: With the entire tent city mapped online, pilgrims will be able to find detailed information about various facilities such as food stalls, washrooms, rest areas, healthcare facilities, and more. This will be particularly beneficial for first-time visitors, senior citizens, and those with special needs.
Personalised Journey: Google’s online platform could offer personalised routes based on the user’s current location and the services they need (e.g., directing a visitor to the nearest medical centre or restroom), ensuring a more comfortable and hassle-free experience.
4. Real-Time Updates
Live Streaming of Events: Google can facilitate live streaming of important rituals, events, and ceremonies happening at the Kumbh Mela. Pilgrims who are unable to be at the event physically can still participate in the experience virtually by watching these significant moments in real time.
Weather and Traffic Updates: Google’s platform can offer live weather updates and traffic information around the Kumbh Mela area. Pilgrims can use this information to make better decisions about when and where to go, avoiding harsh weather conditions or traffic bottlenecks.
5. Data-Driven Insights for Future Planning
Analytics for Event Management: By digitising the tent city, the government and organisers can gather valuable data on crowd movement, the usage of facilities, and other patterns. This data can be analysed to improve the organisation of future Kumbh Melas, helping ensure even better management and smoother operations in subsequent years.
Resource Allocation: Google’s tools can provide insights into where resources are most needed, enabling more efficient distribution of essentials such as food, water, and sanitation services. The government can allocate resources based on real-time needs, improving the event’s logistics.
Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
6. Boosting Tourism and Economic Impact
Virtual Tourism: Showcasing of the tent city online opens up opportunities for virtual tourism. People who visit the virtual site might be inspired to plan a physical visit in the future, boosting both national and international tourism to India. This could contribute significantly to the local economy.
Promotion of Local Businesses: Google’s online platform can also promote local businesses around the Kumbh Mela area, such as handicrafts, food vendors, and accommodation services. Pilgrims can learn about and support these businesses even before arriving, contributing to the local economy.
7. Sustainability and Resource Efficiency
Reduced Physical Footprint: By allowing remote access and virtual tours, the need for large amounts of printed materials (brochures, maps, etc.) is minimised, contributing to sustainability. The use of digital platforms reduces waste and helps in better resource management, aligning with eco-friendly initiatives for the event.
Uttar Pradesh government’s official website and mobile app for Kumbh Mela are key digital platforms serving multiple purposes, including providing real-time information, Online ticketing and registration, facilitating smooth navigation, ensuring safety, emergency services, lost and found services, QR code scanning for safety and optimising logistics during the event.
AI-enabled Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are being set up as well. The core of this facility is AI-enabled Messaging Flow System, which facilitates seamless doctor-patient communication by interpreting 22 regional and 19 international languages. This technology eliminates language barriers, ensuring accurate diagnosis and treatment. Advanced AI microphones and cameras will be deployed in a 10-bed ICU at the Maha Kumbh Central Hospital. These cameras will continuously monitor patient conditions, providing real-time updates and sending instant alerts to specialists during emergencies. There will be a 100- bed Central Hospital, supported by ten additional hospitals and specialist doctors, to ensure comprehensive healthcare services for devotees and saints.
*The writer has 37 years global experience in IT and is presently Director, AI, Theta Dynamics, Bengaluru.
