States » NorthPosted at: Oct 11 2026 5:57PM


Jammu on high alert for Navratri, 500 AI cameras installed along Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route

Jammu, Oct 11 (UNI) Tight security arrangements have been put in place across the Jammu region as the nine-day Navratri festival commenced on Sunday.
The Katra Navratra Festival, jointly organised by the Department of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and the Divisional Administration, will also begin this evening.
The Shrine Board has made special arrangements to ensure the smooth movement and convenience of pilgrims visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
"Security has been heightened in the town and along the 13-km track leading to the Bhawan," an official said.
He said that, besides the deployment of security personnel, CCTV cameras had been installed along the route to keep a close watch on activities. A large influx of devotees is expected during Navratri, and arrangements have been made to provide the necessary facilities, he added.
The Bhawan area has been beautifully illuminated and decorated with flowers and fruits.
Various programmes, including a Shobha Yatra, food stalls, Prabhat Pheri, Shrimad Bhagwat Katha, Ramlila, Mata Rani ki Katha, Jagran and a light-and-sound laser show, will be organised as part of the festival.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with other security agencies, have made elaborate arrangements to ensure the safety of devotees.
Around 500 modern AI-based cameras have been installed from Katra town to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan, nestled in the Trikuta Hills, to monitor activities, manage crowds and identify suspicious elements.
"The safety of pilgrims has been kept as the top priority during the holy days. Every day, more than 50,000 devotees visit the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine during Navratras," the official said.
He added that the AI-enabled surveillance system would help manage crowds and alert the police immediately if any suspicious activity was detected.
This year's grand Katra Navratra Festival is scheduled to be held from October 11 to 19. The nine-day celebrations transform Katra, the base camp for the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, into a hub of religious devotion, cultural programmes and public festivities.
Meanwhile, security has also been tightened at the Kali Temple, popularly known as Mata Bawe Wali, located in Bahu Fort, Jammu. Police personnel have been deployed in and around the temple to prevent any untoward incident.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has extended his greetings to the people on the occasion of Navratri.
In a message, the Lieutenant Governor said: “Greetings and warm wishes to everyone on the auspicious occasion of Navratri. As the nine sacred days of prayers of Maa Durga begin, we celebrate the eternal triumph of truth, righteousness and virtue over evil. May Goddess Durga shower her divine blessings upon every family, bestowing good health, happiness and prosperity.” UNI VBH NST AAB
Tags: #Jammu on high alert for Navratri# 500 AI cameras installed along Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route
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