Image Source: Economic Times
This year’s Ganesh Chaturthi culminates in spectacular visarjan processions nationwide, with major cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad adopting cutting-edge technology to ensure safety and seamless celebrations. As millions gather to bid farewell to Lord Ganesha on Anant Chaturdashi, authorities have deployed artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and advanced crowd management tools—ushering in a new era of tradition meeting innovation.
Key Highlights of Ganesh Visarjan 2025
Mumbai alone sees over 1.75 lakh household Ganesh idols and 6,500 community idols being immersed in the city’s beaches, water bodies, and 205 artificial lakes. Other cities including Pune and Hyderabad host equally massive processions.
For the first time, Mumbai Police has rolled out AI-powered route and crowd management via a dedicated control room. QR code-enabled vehicles ferrying prominent Ganpati idols like the Lalbaugcha Raja are tracked in real time, with AI monitoring crowd density, route changes, and unscheduled halts that signal possible disruptions.
More than 21,000 police personnel, backed by 14 companies of the State Reserve Police Force, rapid response teams, and bomb squads, oversee security across the city.
Crowd surveillance is enhanced by deployment of over 10,000 AI-enabled CCTV cameras and more than 50 drones at key immersion sites, beaches, and thoroughfares.
Drones capture aerial footage, provide real-time crowd analysis, detect congestion, facilitate public announcements, and offer lighting for night-time processions.
Lifeguards are stationed at immersion points alongside police and civic teams to ensure safety.
India-Wide Tech-Driven Crowd Management
Hyderabad uses traffic updates and real-time monitoring for processions towards Hussain Sagar Lake, managing the massive turnout using drones and technology-assisted traffic advisories.
Pune and other metro cities deploy drones and mobile traffic apps, while local mandals stream the processions live on YouTube, allowing devotees to watch virtually and avoid congestion.
Authorities issue traffic advisories, anticipate congestion in immersion neighborhoods, and recommend alternate routes or detours for routine commuters.
Safety, Innovation, and Culture
Use of predictive analytics and AI dashboards allows authorities to anticipate potential choke points and intervene before crowding or emergency situations arise.
Flying private drones during the immersions is strictly prohibited; only official drones are allowed for crowd monitoring and emergencies.
The fusion of tradition and technology marks a transformative chapter, making the visarjan smoother, safer, and more inclusive for millions of devotees.
Security Concerns and Police Response
This year’s celebrations saw Mumbai Police responding to bomb threats, leading to heightened alert and additional deployments. Quick response teams and bomb disposal units patrolled key sites throughout the festivities.
All major Ganesh idols and their immersion vehicles were closely monitored, ensuring processions progressed without incident.
Nationwide Celebrations and Final Farewell
Streets and immersion sites buzz with chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya,” dhol-tasha beats, and community participation as the ten-day festival draws to a close.
Authorities stress that these innovations have set a new standard for managing religious gatherings and will serve as reference for future large-scale events across India.
Conclusion
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025’s visarjan exemplifies how India blends ancient rituals with modern technology—a national celebration that honors faith, fosters community, and leverages innovation for public safety. AI and drone surveillance have redefined crowd management, ensuring joyful, secure farewells that reflect both devotion and progress.
Sources: Free Press Journal, Times of India, Economic Times, NDTV
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