Live screening of Kedarnath pilgrims and video-conferencing possible for CM and secretariat

DEHRADUN: The chief minister and officials will be able to see the movement of pilgrims of Kedarnath on yatra route while sitting in their respective offices in Dehradun from this yatra season. The video-conferencing is also being introduced to facilitate long distance meetings and to cut short the time. This technology will be of immense help for the state and district agencies to network and respond to the rescue efforts at a time of disaster or calamity.
The district administration of Rudraprayag has been given an ISO 9001:2008 certification for its flagship IT project implemented during Kedarnath Yatra-2015 to strengthen the communication network along the yatra route. The certification is valid for the next 3 years upto May 27, 2018. Seven high frequency sensors are being installed from Sonprayag to Kedarnath to facilitate this.
Amit Negi, additional secretary said, "The CM shall be viewing the live movement of pilgrims or other activities on the Kedarnath yatra rout through cameras installed at various yatra locations live. He would also do video conferencing with staff posted at Kedarnath and Rudraprayag from his office at Dehradun or any other location of his choice."
Raghav Langer, district magistrate Rudraprayag said, "The Local intranet using unlicensed frequency band at Kedarnath valley upto Kedarnath temple will facilitate video conferencing services, electronic surveillance, wi-fi internet, hot line communication and provision of hot spots at different points on yatra route. It has made the yatra totally safe and secure for the coming yatris and has given the support of cutting edge communication technology for quick disaster mitigation & response."
He further said that surveillance of all major locations and critical points along the yatra trek route, through a network of high resolution cameras at various important locations on yatra route and Kedarnath temple to constantly view the movement of pilgrims, rainfall, state of the trek route, other events etc. These cameras can be accessed from any of these yatra halting points. Also continuous monitoring of the yatra is being done at the District Emergency Operation Centre.
Langer told that the district administration is also implementing state-of-the-art other IT projects for ensuring safety of pilgrims to provide the benefit of latest technology to the district administration and instil confidence in the pilgrims.
"Shri Kedar Rescue Android application with disaster/SOS alert feature is available on Google Play Store. Weather LED outdoor digital display boards along five locations on kedarnath yatra route will provide information to pilgrims regarding rainfall, temperature etc of various yatra locations. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tracking of movement of mules using RFID sensors located at various points along yatra trek route, will help in tracking the horses/mules being used by the pilgrims under prepaid facility. The district administration would soon be applying to designated Government Accredited Certifying Agencies to get certification for the above mentioned IT projects," said Langer.