The movement of Char Dham Yatra pilgrims in the hills of Uttarakhand will now be monitored round the clock using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to enhance safety, as the pilgrimage season begins on April 19.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has recommended that the state government issue RFID tags to pilgrims and devotees, similar to the system used during the Amarnath Yatra.
The RFID system will allow authorities to track the exact number of pilgrims at any location in real time, improving safety during emergencies and enhancing overall management. NDMA officials suggested installing RFID readers along routes to the Char Dham shrines and other high-altitude areas to assist enforcement agencies in monitoring pilgrim movement.
NDMA Chief Consultant Sudhir Bahl said a proposal has been submitted to provide RFID tags to all pilgrims. He emphasised that the system would offer precise location data, enabling quicker and more efficient rescue operations during emergencies.
He also recommended mandatory medical certificates for pilgrims above 60 years undertaking high-altitude journeys, along with updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for helicopter-based rescue operations.
According to the NDMA, the existing mandatory registration system—where pilgrims provide personal details, travel schedules, and health information—already aids in tracking movement. This will be further strengthened through the introduction of green cards for vehicles and trip cards for passengers to streamline traffic management in the hills.
Officials noted that RFID will convert static registration data into a live monitoring system, enabling real-time tracking of devotees and improving security measures.
In addition to safety, the system is expected to significantly enhance crowd management by identifying high-density areas instantly. While Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras are used to track vehicles, RFID will focus on individuals, creating a two-layered monitoring mechanism.
The NDMA has also proposed the use of Artificial Intelligence to analyse CCTV footage along the Char Dham routes. This would help estimate crowd density at specific locations and enable better planning and control.
Responding to the recommendations, Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary of the Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Department, confirmed that the proposals will be forwarded to the concerned departments for implementation.
