Kumar Prabhat
Dumka
The Dumka district administration has introduced an artificial intelligence-based system to trace and reunite missing pilgrims with their families during the ongoing Shravani Mela 2026 at Basukinath, marking a significant step towards technology-driven crowd management and public safety.
With lakhs of devotees visiting the annual religious festival, people getting separated from their families has long been a common challenge. To address the issue, the administration has set up dedicated lost-and-found centres across the mela area where relatives can register missing persons by providing details such as their name, age, gender, address and a recent photograph.
The information is immediately uploaded to a digital application integrated with the mela’s CCTV surveillance network. Using AI-enabled facial recognition and tracking technology, the system scans live camera feeds across the fairgrounds to locate the missing individual. Once identified, administrative teams are alerted and facilitate the person’s safe reunion with their family.
Officials said the technology has delivered encouraging results, helping reunite numerous missing devotees with their relatives over the past week and significantly reducing the time required to trace them.
To further strengthen the initiative, the district administration is displaying photographs and details of missing persons on large LED screens installed at key locations throughout the mela area. The real-time announcements enable security personnel, volunteers and fellow pilgrims to assist in identifying missing individuals more quickly.
Officials said the integration of AI-powered surveillance with conventional administrative measures has enhanced the efficiency of crowd management and improved pilgrim safety during one of Jharkhand’s largest annual religious gatherings. The initiative is being seen as a model for leveraging technology to improve public service delivery and emergency response at large-scale events.
