Mansa Devi temple tracks faces to measure footfall

Panchkula: To improve visitor management, especially during Navratri at the Mata Mansa Devi Mandir, advanced head-counting technology has been installed on the premises.Three face-counting screens have been procured and set up to accurately record the exact number of devotees visiting the temple.Earlier, the Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board relied on rough estimates to calculate footfall, which often led to discrepancies, especially during peak days and festivals.With the introduction of this modern system, authorities aim to maintain precise data, ensuring better crowd management and planning."Each face is even visible on the screen while crossing. We earlier used to release the total number of visitors a day after. Now, we have a live update, and we release the total count every day during Navratri. It helps us manage the crowd well, and we are able to plan arrangements in advance," said officials.As per information, face counting technology, often integrated within broader AI-powered people counting systems, uses artificial intelligence, computer vision, and specialized cameras to detect, analyze, and count human faces in real time. This technology is designed to measure customer flow, monitor occupancy levels, and improve operational efficiency for businesses.Nisha Yadav, CEO of the board, told TOI, "In addition to the technological upgrade, the administration has also enhanced basic facilities for devotees. Two new waiting sheds have been constructed to provide shelter and comfort, particularly during long queues. A cloakroom facility has also been introduced, allowing visitors to safely deposit their belongings while offering prayers. Besides, additional drinking water and public convenience facilities have been added."Officials said these initiatives are part of ongoing efforts to improve the overall experience of devotees and ensure smooth and organised temple operations, especially during high-footfall periods.Meanwhile, on the sixth day of the Chaitra Navratri fair on Tuesday, a total of 95,000 devotees paid their obeisance to the Goddess at the Mata Mansa Devi Temple, followed by 28,000 at the Kali Mata Temple (Kalka) and 1,500 at the Chandi Mata Temple. The Mansa Devi figures were calculated through the face-reading screens.Besides, a total of Rs 37,20,365 in donations was received at the Shri Mata Mansa Devi Temple, Shri Kali Mata Temple (Kalka), and Chandi Mata Temple.Deputy Commissioner and Chief Administrator of the Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board, Satpal Sharma, stated that donations amounting to Rs 34,34,658 were offered at the Shri Mata Mansa Devi Temple, Rs 2,65,247 at the Shri Kali Mata Temple (Kalka), and Rs 90,950 at the Chandi Mata Temple.Additionally, two gold items and 31 silver items were also offered as donations at the Shri Mata Mansa Devi Temple.