Prayagraj: The Maha Kumbh 2025 has etched its name in history with a staggering attendance of nearly 34 crore devotees who came to bathe in the sacred waters. Many of them have also stayed back, immersed in the spiritual aura of the event. What stands out in this colossal gathering is not just its scale but the seamless blend of traditional values with modern management and technology.
A Global Model for Mega Event Management
The Uttar Pradesh government, under the leadership of the Energy and Urban Development Minister, has been at the forefront of ensuring that the Maha Kumbh not only upholds its ancient heritage but also showcases India’s rapid development. The minister emphasized that this Kumbh is happening in a new India—one that is part of the Digital India movement and ranks as the world’s fifth-largest economy. This mega event has become an opportunity to display India’s vast modern capabilities to the world.
1. Clean Drinking Water for Millions
The Urban Development Department, through the Jal Nigam, has installed over 250 water ATMs across the Kumbh Mela area, ensuring a continuous supply of clean drinking water. This level of infrastructure is unparalleled, even in many developed nations.
- Usage Statistics: From January 21, 2025, to February 2, 2025, over 4.1 million people have utilized these water ATMs.
- Advanced Connectivity: Each water ATM dispenses an average of 12,000 to 15,000 liters of water daily. They are equipped with SIM cards, keeping them connected to the Jal Nigam’s internet network for real-time monitoring.
2. Traffic, Crowd, and Event Management
An Integrated Command and Control Center (ICCC) has been established within the Kumbh Mela grounds to manage the massive influx of people effectively.
- AI Surveillance: More than 2,700 AI-powered cameras have been installed, providing real-time updates to the ICCC, enhancing security and crowd control.
3. Sanitation and Cleanliness
Maintaining cleanliness across thousands of hectares is no small feat. The Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has employed AI-enabled cameras connected to control rooms to monitor sanitation and traffic conditions in real time.
- Mobile Monitoring: These cameras are also mounted on sanitation officers’ motorcycles, allowing dynamic tracking of cleanliness levels.
- Visible Impact: As a result, the Mela grounds remain remarkably clean, a testament to efficient management.
4. GIS-Mapped Electric Poles for Enhanced Safety
Over 52,000 electric poles have been strategically installed across the Mela area, with a unique technological twist:
- GIS Mapping: Each pole has been geo-tagged using GIS technology, with a unique identification number clearly marked.
- Emergency Assistance: In case of emergencies, devotees can report the pole number at the nearest help desk or helpline, allowing authorities to pinpoint their exact location swiftly.
- QR Code System: Poles are also equipped with QR codes. Scanning them with a smartphone opens a form where individuals can submit their details and issues. This system has already assisted thousands of people in locating lost items, reuniting with family members, and resolving other concerns.
Maha Kumbh 2025 is more than just a religious congregation; it is a showcase of how India can seamlessly blend its ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology. With innovations in water supply, crowd management, sanitation, and emergency response, the event has set a new global benchmark for organizing mega gatherings.
