Tech touch to Simhasth-2016 in Ujjain; to be Wi-Fi enabled

Ujjain, Oct 4: Simhasth (Kumbh) Mela, scheduled to be held in Ujjain next year, will be a confluence of age-old religious traditions and use of information technology in managing of one of the largest religious fairs.

Simhasth-2016 will take place from April 22 to May 21 in this ancient religious city after a gap of 12 years.

"In the Simhasth-2016, besides focusing on organising it on traditional religious culture, emphasis will be given on use of latest information technology tools in the management of the mela," Ujjain Divisional Commissioner Ravindra Pastour told PTI.

"In this age of IT, it is not only pertinent for the mela authorities to remain equipped with the latest technology but it is also necessary for the devotees coming from the far-flung areas.

Therefore, we have decided to make the entire Simhasth Mela area Wi-Fi enabled," he said.

The mela authorities have also launched a special Simhasth Mobile App having a host of facilities. It will act as a guide for the large number of devotees visiting the fair.

Geographical Information System (GIS) technology will be extensively used in mapping the mela area.

The entire Simhasth plan, including land allotted to each Akhara that participates in the month-long mela, roads, electricity plan, water distribution lines, water kiosks, garbage identification and collection facilities and parking, will be available on the finger tips, Senior Consultant Simhasth-IT, Manish Vijaywargiya said.

The GIS-enabled system will identify available parking slots, have information on traffic plan, traditional procession roads, location of ATM counters among other facilities.

One of its unique features will be identification of garbage lying in any area once a visitor takes a photo from his/her smart phone and uploads it on the app.

On the basis of longitude and latitude, the location will be identified and soon it will be collected for safe disposal, he said.

PTI