Police launches ‘Project Hawk Eye’ for round-the-clock vigil along Amarnath trail
Srinagar: Police in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Thursday launched “Project Hawk Eye” — a comprehensive surveillance and security initiative — to ensure a secure and peaceful conduct of the annual Amarnath Yatra, set to commence July 3.
The initiative is aimed at maintaining round-the-clock vigilance from the sky and the ground along the entire yatra route, a police spokesman said.
Under this initiative, police has deployed a multi-layered security and surveillance grid by integrating advanced technology with strategic manpower deployment, he said.
The official said to maintain aerial surveillance, five drones detts will be deployed at key locations, providing real-time monitoring and enhanced situational awareness. The aerial surveillance network enables quick assessment of any emerging situation and facilitates prompt response by ground units.
Drone detts refer to specialised teams of UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) operators and anti-drone units, deployed for security and surveillance.
On the ground, 28 strategically located ‘Machan Morchas’ (elevated observation posts) have been established at sensitive locations to strengthen vigilance and area domination, the spokesman said.
He said 22 specially trained sniper teams have also been stationed at designated points to further reinforce the security grid and ensure effective response preparedness.
To augment the surveillance framework, 416 high-resolution CCTV cameras and facial recognition system (FRS) infrastructure have been installed at critical locations along the yatra route, he said.
These systems provide continuous real-time monitoring and assist in the timely identification of suspicious movements or activities, thereby strengthening preventive security measures, he added.
Through Project Hawk Eye, police has effectively positioned its eyes in the sky and on the ground, creating a seamless surveillance network that ensures comprehensive monitoring of the pilgrimage, the spokesman said.
The initiative reflects the police’s commitment towards leveraging modern technology and professional policing practices to provide a secure environment for all pilgrims, he added.
