PRAYAGRAJ, Dec. 18 -- A comprehensive, technology-driven disaster and crowd management plan has been prepared for Magh Mela 2026, with authorities prioritising the safety and security of millions of devotees. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based management systems, similar to those deployed during Maha Kumbh 2025, will be deployed to strengthen crowd control measures and improve emergency response capabilities. In view of the rising cases of digital arrest scams and cyber frauds nationwide, police have decided to remain on high alert throughout the 44-day Magh Mela, scheduled to begin on January 3 along the Sangam banks in Prayagraj. For the first time, cybercrime help desks will be set up at all 16 police stations operating in the mela area. Each help desk will be staffed by two specially trained police personnel who will register cybercrime complaints, assist and guide victims, and, when necessary, coordinate with the district cyber police station. SP (Magh Mela-2026) Neeraj Pandey, while recently briefing the fair's advisory, said the police administration would remain fully alert to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees. "Our preparations are aimed at ensuring that visitors do not face any inconvenience and that no untoward incident takes place," he said. To effectively deal with any emergency situation, the state disaster management authority has prepared a comprehensive response plan covering crowd control, medical facilities and safe evacuation procedures. To bolster security, the entire mela area has been divided into seven sectors and four zones, with additional police personnel and fire brigade vehicles deployed at strategic locations. The Sangam bank, which witnesses the highest footfall, remains the most sensitive zone. Under plan one, efforts will be made to evacuate devotees as soon as crowd density increases. Under plan two, devotees will be diverted towards Jhunsi via Pontoon Bridge No. 3, while Pontoon Bridges No. 2 and 4 will be used for those moving towards the Sangam. This arrangement is expected to clear the Sangam area within 30 minutes. Under plan three, in case of excessive crowding, devotees will be diverted through the road parallel to Kali Marg, enabling clearance of the Sangam area within 40 minutes. Under plan four, people will be routed via Mahatma Gandhi Marg towards Georgetown. Plan five includes diversion from the Medical College towards Lowther Road and Bakshi Bandh. Under plan six, movement will be directed towards the Old Yamuna Bridge, while plan seven involves restricting entry towards the Hanuman Temple and Sangam during peak congestion. Magh Mela-2026 SP Neeraj Pandey clarified that these measures would be implemented only when crowds become extremely large, which is likely on Mauni Amavasya. Under plan eight, the operation of boats will be suspended if required. To ensure smooth conduct of the mela and effective emergency response, security deployment and use of modern technology have been significantly enhanced. Around 10,000 security personnel will be deployed under normal conditions, while specialised forces including ATS, bomb disposal squads, NDRF, SDRF, PAC flood units, and paramilitary forces will remain on standby for emergencies. The entire mela area will be monitored round-the-clock using over 1,000 CCTV cameras, AI-enabled cameras, watch towers and 50 drones to ensure continuous surveillance. In addition, the administration is strengthening infrastructure and conducting mock drills to enhance disaster preparedness. Drawing on lessons from Maha Kumbh 2025, the administration has strengthened and expanded disaster management arrangements, with emphasis on inter-departmental coordination, regular drills and orderly bathing. Bathing ghats have been extended by 40% to 2.8 km, sectors increased from five to seven, the mela area expanded to 800 hectares, parking facilities to 42, pontoon bridges to seven, and registered institutions to 4,900....