For the first time, CCTV cameras and decibel meters will be installed on all elephants participating in the 149th Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad to monitor surrounding noise levels and enhance safety measures during the procession.
The move comes in the wake of an incident during last year’s Rath Yatra, when an elephant reportedly became frightened and uncontrollable near Khadia due to loud music being played by a DJ. The disturbance caused panic among other elephants as well, leading to chaos along the route.
Decibel meters to be installed on all 18 elephants
As part of preparations for the Rath Yatra scheduled for July 16, police have made extensive arrangements to ensure the procession passes off peacefully and without disruption.
For the first time in the history of the event, all 18 elephants participating in the yatra will be equipped with 360-degree CCTV cameras and decibel meters to record noise levels in their immediate surroundings.
Restrictions on loud music, real-time monitoring planned
Authorities have issued strict instructions against playing loud DJ music near the procession route this year. The decibel meters will help officials monitor noise levels around the elephants and ensure they remain within permissible limits.
The 360-degree cameras mounted on the elephants will be linked directly to the police control room and a specially established monitoring centre, enabling officials to keep continuous watch over the procession in real time.
On Friday, officials from the Municipal Corporation and the police conducted a joint inspection of the entire Rath Yatra route as part of the final preparations for the annual event.