Telangana police win laurels for tech-driven sustainability during Ganesh festival

Telangana Police have been honoured with the prestigious Top Sustainability Initiative Award in the Challenger category at the Digital Engineering Awards held in Dallas, Texas.

Recognised for their innovative use of GIS and AI technologies, the award highlights their exceptional efforts during the 2024 Ganesh festival idol immersions.

Organised by L&T Technology Services in partnership with ISG (Information Services Group) and CNBC-TV18, the awards celebrate global excellence in digital engineering and innovation. Telangana Police’s initiative stood out for setting a new global benchmark in smart city technology by seamlessly integrating safety, sustainability, and large-scale public coordination.

During the Ganesh festival celebrations, Telangana Police managed the immersion of over 150,510 Ganesh idols, overcoming challenges such as crowd control, traffic management, and environmental stewardship. With support from over 15,000 municipal workers and 25,000 police personnel, the event was conducted peacefully and sustainably.

The programme relied on advanced GIS-based applications developed with the Telangana Police Command Control Centre, allowing for real-time tracking of pandals, crowd movements, and traffic flow. 

AI-powered surveillance systems, including over 733 CCTV cameras and drones, were deployed strategically to monitor processions and identify issues such as overcrowding or illegal parking. Geo-tagging nearly 80,000 pandals ensured smooth coordination, while trained swimmers and emergency response teams enhanced safety at immersion sites. The police also collaborated with municipal corporations to implement effective waste management and segregation practices, promoting environmental sustainability throughout the event.

Speaking about the award, ADGP (PCS&S) V.V. Srinivasa Rao, expressed pride in the team’s achievement, stating that the recognition underscores the Telangana Police’s commitment to blending cutting-edge technology with cultural celebrations to ensure safety and sustainability. He emphasised that the initiative demonstrated the transformative potential of combining technology and teamwork.

The Digital Engineering Awards, which received over 230 nominations this year, were evaluated by a distinguished panel of experts, including academics, industry leaders, and technology innovators. The judging criteria focused on innovation, delivery precision, tangible business impact, and sustainable value creation. Telangana Police’s achievement not only highlights their forward-thinking approach but also cements their place as a leader in leveraging technology for public safety and environmental consciousness.

Organised annually, the Digital Engineering Awards spotlight transformative ideas in the R&D domain, inspiring organisations worldwide to adopt innovative practices.

Published - December 17, 2024 12:37 am IST