Pune Ganesh Visarjan 2026: 3,500+ CCTV Cameras, AI, Facial Recognition and Drones Deployed for 24×7 Security Watch
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 23rd September 2026: Pune Police will deploy an extensive technology-driven surveillance network during Ganeshotsav 2026, with round-the-clock monitoring of the city’s traditional Ganesh immersion processions and other sensitive locations.
Addressing a press conference today, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar informed that security arrangements will be monitored 24 hours a day through the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) and a dedicated war room. More than 3,500 CCTV cameras will be monitored in real time from the Faraskhana Police Station.
The police will use AI-based video analytics to detect crowd build-up, suspicious movements, weapons and unattended objects. Facial recognition technology will also be used to help identify criminals and trace missing persons.
The Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system will be used to monitor traffic violations, including wrong-side driving, triple-seat riding, illegal parking and overspeeding.
Drone and mobile surveillance
Police will deploy five mobile surveillance vehicles and 19 mini surveillance vehicles for monitoring during the festival. Drones will be used for aerial surveillance of crowds, processions and sensitive locations.
CCTV feeds from Metro stations, PMC Smart City infrastructure and Ganesh mandals will also be integrated into the monitoring system.
To prevent unauthorised drone activity around sensitive locations, police will deploy anti-drone guns.
Public announcements and emergency response
More than 250 locations will have IP-based public address systems to facilitate announcements and crowd management.
Police personnel will be connected through 100 wireless sets and 400 walkie-talkies to improve communication and coordination during the festival.
Security checks will be strengthened with 30 Door Frame Metal Detectors (DFMDs) and 100 Hand-Held Metal Detectors (HHMDs) at important locations.
Emergency calls received through Dial-112 will be monitored round the clock.
Noise pollution and traffic monitoring
To monitor noise levels during Ganeshotsav, Pune Police will deploy around 120 noise-level meters. A permanent noise monitoring station will also be operational at Alka Chowk.
Vehicles used by Ganesh mandals will be equipped with GPS tracking and alert systems, allowing authorities to monitor their movement.
Police will also conduct social media monitoring to identify suspicious activity and potential security threats.
Wi-Fi connectivity will be provided at important locations to facilitate communication for police personnel and other officials deployed for security duties.
The Pune Police said the overall security plan will combine AI, CCTV surveillance, facial recognition, drones, GPS tracking, ANPR, Dial-112 and social media monitoring to strengthen security and crowd management during Ganeshotsav 2026.
