As the number of pilgrims coming to Ayodhya continues to surge, the administration, taking cues from South Indian temples, is implementing proactive measures to manage the crowds effectively.
Since the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla on January 22, the Ayodhya administration has been grappling with the daunting task of crowd management. Over the past seven days alone, an overwhelming influx of more than 21 lakh people has been recorded in Ayodhya.
To address this unprecedented surge, a dedicated committee comprising officials from the Ayodhya administration and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has been formed by the state government. This committee aims to ensure seamless coordination in managing the crowd and overseeing other affairs pertinent to the Ram temple.
Ayodhya Divisional Commissioner Gaurav Dayal, who is the chairman of the committee, has proposed the establishment of a spacious holding area within the pilgrim facilitation centre adjacent to the temple. This holding area will serve as a temporary resting place for devotees before they proceed to enter the main temple complex.
“This strategic measure is poised to alleviate the congestion within the temple complex and significantly reduce the lengthy queues,” Dayal said.
Taking inspiration from South Indian temple practices, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust emphasised the necessity of developing a holding area within the pilgrim facilitation centre to effectively mitigate overcrowding.
To address security concerns arising from the unprecedented influx of devotees, the Trust has decided to augment the existing security personnel with additional staff from private agencies contracted for this purpose.
In addressing sanitation issues within the temple complex, the divisional commissioner has directed the private agency tasked with maintenance to bolster its workforce for ensuring proper cleanliness. Additionally, instructions have been issued to strategically place dustbins at various locations, including areas where devotees undergo security screening before entering the temple premises.
Inspector General, Ayodhya range, Praveen Kumar has proposed the installation of artificial intelligence (AI)-based cameras at the temple’s entry and exit points to bolster surveillance and ensure the smooth flow of visitors.
“These efforts underscore Ayodhya’s commitment to managing the burgeoning crowds while upholding the sanctity and efficiency of pilgrimage experiences at the revered Ram Mandir complex,” Dayal said.