Lucknow, July 11 (Reporter) To ensure the security and smooth conduct of the Kanwar Yatra, the Uttar Pradesh government has deployed cutting-edge anti-drone and tethered drone technologies along the yatra route. These advanced surveillance systems — previously used during the Ram Mandir inauguration and Mahakumbh — are now enhancing real-time monitoring and threat detection. Officials here on Friday revealed that a state-of-the-art control room, modelled on the Mahakumbh framework, has been established with round-the-clock real-time monitoring capabilities. Elite security personnel, drawn from ATS, RAF, and QRT, have been deployed at ground level along the entire Yatra route to ensure maximum vigilance. Technology is being leveraged at every level to ensure the comfort, safety, and smooth experience of devotees. CM Yogi has personally reviewed all preparations and issued strict instructions to ensure flawless arrangements for security, healthcare, sanitation, drinking water, and traffic management. Drawing inspiration from the Mahakumbh security model, similar protocols have been implemented across the Kanwar Yatra corridors. Officials said in a major technological push, 29,454 CCTV cameras have been installed along key Kanwar routes and major congregation points. Additionally, 395 high-tech drones, including anti-drones and tethered drones, are transmitting real-time video feeds directly to the DGP headquarters. Tethered drones, which hover in a fixed position for extended periods, are proving particularly effective in monitoring dense crowds and enabling quick response in case of emergencies. To further bolster security, a modern control room has been established at the DGP headquarters, modelled after the Mahakumbh, to provide continuous 24/7 real-time monitoring of the yatra and Shiv temples. A dedicated eight-member social media surveillance team is also on high alert. This team continuously monitors online platforms for rumors, misleading information, and sensitive posts, promptly alerting district officials and ensuring swift removal of objectionable content. In parallel, a separate control room team monitors inputs from electronic media, UP-112, and other communication channels to ensure seamless coordination and prompt responses. To ensure foolproof security during the Kanwar Yatra, the Uttar Pradesh government has deployed a large-scale police and paramilitary force. A total of 587 gazetted officers, 2,040 inspectors, 13,520 sub-inspectors, and 39,965 constables have been assigned duty. In addition, 1,486 women sub-inspectors and 8,541 women constables are on the ground to maintain law and order. The deployment also includes 50 companies of PAC and central forces, along with 1,424 home guards. To ensure seamless access to important information, details such as police officers' contact numbers, traffic diversion plans, and all Kanwar Yatra-related guidelines have been shared with the public through hoardings, newspapers, and social media, utilising barcodes to make them easily accessible to devotees. For effective interstate coordination, a dedicated WhatsApp group comprising officials from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan has been created. This group facilitates real-time information exchange on route conditions, security updates, and crowd management strategies. The yatra is further secured through the deployment of anti-drone systems, which detect unauthorized drones using radar, sensors, and other advanced technologies. Once detected, these systems neutralise the threat using two primary methods: soft kill, which disrupts the drone’s communication link through jamming, rendering it inoperable; and hard kill, which physically destroys the drone using means such as lasers or missiles. India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed indigenous solutions like the D4S system, capable of tracking, intercepting, and neutralizing hostile drones with high precision. Unlike conventional drones, tethered drones are connected to a ground-based power source via a strong cable, allowing them to remain airborne for extended durations without battery limitations. The tether also provides greater stability in windy conditions, making it ideal for continuous surveillance and communication in sensitive areas. These drones are extensively used in emergency services, law enforcement, and high-security zones for monitoring large crowds and ensuring real-time aerial visibility...////...