Vijayawada Dasara security: Anitha reviews CCTV surveillance and crowd controls

Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha has carried out a comprehensive security inspection at the central Command Control centre in Vijayawada, reviewing high-definition CCTV coverage and crowd management systems installed for the Dasara Navarathri festival.

Visiting the control hub at the Model Guest House on Monday, the minister examined video feeds tracking crowds across key religious and transit sites. The state administration has deployed advanced surveillance technology to ensure smooth movement and public safety throughout the celebrations atop Indrakeeladri, where thousands of pilgrims gather daily.

What the surveillance network covers

During the operational review, Anitha checked real-time feeds covering pilgrim waiting halls, queue lines, prasadam distribution counters, annadanam dining halls, and vehicle parking lots around the hill shrine. She also assessed safety arrangements at Punnami Ghat along the Krishna River, which is hosting both the Vijayawada Utsav and the National Saras Mela.

Senior police officers outlined how analytical surveillance tools have been integrated across Vijayawada to prevent bottlenecks and maintain order throughout the busy festival week.

Deputy Commissioner of Police K.G.V. Saritha told the minister that the force is using around 70 analytical cameras alongside aerial drones to monitor crowd density. Officers are watching commuter flow closely at both Pandit Nehru Bus Station and the Vijayawada railway station, the two primary entry corridors for visitors arriving from across Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states.

AI surveillance and transit management

Traffic management remains a major operational focus as municipal authorities handle festive processions alongside daily urban transit. DCP Traffic Shareen Begum briefed the home minister on junction routing, designated diversions, and measures intended to prevent gridlock across the central corridors linking the bus terminal to the riverfront.

To safeguard pilgrims from theft and opportunistic offences, the police have expanded technical and physical deterrence. DCP (Crimes) K. Krishna Prasanna said officers have stepped up foot patrols, set up dedicated static police pickets, and deployed AI-enabled surveillance cameras trained to identify suspicious movements in dense crowds.

Preparations for upcoming VVIP visits

Following the briefing, Anitha directed the NTR Commissionerate and the Krishna district police to maintain high alert throughout the remaining festival days. She instructed officers to ensure foolproof protective coverage for impending high-profile visits, including scheduled appearances by the President of India and other dignitaries arriving for the Dasara festivities and Vijayawada Utsavams.

West Zone Assistant Commissioner of Police N.V.S.K. Durga Rao and One Town Circle Inspector B. Gunaram were among the police officials present during the inspection.