416 CCTV cameras, drones deployed along pilgrimage route
Srinagar, Jun 25: Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched “Project Hawk Eye”, a technology-driven surveillance initiative for round-the-clock monitoring of the Amarnath Yatra route, as security agencies intensified preparations for the annual pilgrimage scheduled to commence on July 3.
The initiative, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) was unveiled by Anantnag Police as part of an expanded security grid for the forth coming Amarnath Yatra,
As part of Project Hawk Eye, Anantnag Police have deployed five drone units for aerial surveillance along the yatra route. Twenty-eight elevated observation posts, or Machan Morchas, have been established at vulnerable locations, while 22 sniper teams have been positioned to reinforce the security grid.
Police have also installed 416 high-resolution CCTV cameras and facial recognition system infrastructure at critical points to enable real-time monitoring and early detection of suspicious activity.
MOCK DRILLS
Meanwhile, security forces conducted a series of mock drills and preparedness exercises across Jammu and Kashmir to test response capabilities ahead of the pilgrimage.
In Bandipora, police, CRPF, SSB and Army personnel carried out a joint mock drill at Shadipora Camp focusing on convoy protection, emergency evacuation, rapid response operations and coordinated action during crisis situations.
A similar high-intensity exercise was held by Ganderbal Police at Malshahi Bagh, Sonamarg Z-Morh Tunnel and along the national highway in Gund with the participation of the Army, CAPFs, SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, Health Department and civil administration.
In Udhampur, multiple security agencies conducted a mock drill at Birmah Bridge on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway to assess preparedness against potential terror threats and strengthen emergency response coordination.
Police Awantipora, along with the Railway Protection Force, Government Railway Police, Army, Fire and Emergency Services and Health Department, organised a joint exercise at Panzgam railway station to evaluate standard operating procedures and inter-agency response during emergencies.
In Jammu district, police, assisted by the BSF and CISF, conducted cordon-and-search operations in the RS Pura border belt as part of heightened security measures ahead of the yatra. Searches were carried out at identified locations in Chakroi and Baspur Bangla areas, but no suspicious material was recovered, officials said.
Officials said the security arrangements were being continuously reviewed to ensure a secure environment for pilgrims and the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage. (KNO)
