The Rajasthan government has put forward a detailed proposal aimed at strengthening security and crowd management at the Ajmer Dargah, the revered 12th-century shrine of Muslim saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, to ensure a safer experience for pilgrims throughout the year. The proposal also seeks to improve monitoring and protection of this historic and heavily visited site.

Expansion of Entry and Exit Gates

A key component of the security proposal is the expansion and renovation of two entry and exit gates at the shrine, identified as insufficient to handle large crowds, particularly during the annual Urs festival, which attracts thousands of pilgrims from across India and abroad. The shrine currently has eight gateways, including the primary Nizam Gate, built in 1915. According to state officials, the two gates proposed for expansion are prone to congestion, and their current size could potentially lead to stampede-like situations during peak gatherings.

The expansion of these gates is part of a broader effort to streamline pilgrim movement, reduce overcrowding, and enhance overall safety on the shrine premises.

Advanced Surveillance and Monitoring

The Rajasthan home department has proposed linking all CCTV cameras at the shrine to the Abhay Command Centre, the state’s high-tech public safety monitoring hub. This integration would enable real-time surveillance, better crowd management, traffic monitoring, and rapid response in case of emergencies or criminal activity.

The Abhay Command Centre employs advanced technologies, including video analytics and real-time data processing, to manage large gatherings, detect mob activity, and facilitate crime prevention. By connecting the shrine’s CCTV network to this central system, authorities aim to maintain tighter control over security and public safety during daily operations and during large-scale pilgrimages.

Removal of Encroachments and Infrastructure Improvements

As part of the proposal, the government has recommended removing encroachments in and around the shrine area to ensure free and safe movement for pilgrims. The Ajmer municipality has already conducted eviction drives, clearing roughly 250 shops in the Taragarh forest area adjacent to the shrine. Additional encroachments are being surveyed for removal to create safer pathways.

Other proposed infrastructure measures include the construction of a waiting room for pilgrims, addressing drainage problems, and conducting a fire audit to prevent hazards in the crowded shrine complex. These improvements are aimed at mitigating risks related to overcrowding, health, and emergency preparedness.

Digital Measures for Staff and Pilgrims

The proposal also emphasizes digital management of shrine staff, including issuing digital ID proofs linked to the home department portal. This step would improve accountability and enable faster verification of personnel. Additionally, the plan calls for thorough frisking of pilgrims to prevent the entry of prohibited items and maintain safety within the complex.

Government Coordination and Funding

The proposed measures are the result of collaborative discussions between the Rajasthan home department, Ajmer collector, local police, intelligence units, shrine officials, and the state minority affairs department. The plan is currently under consideration by the Union government, which oversees the shrine’s administration through the Dargah Committee, a statutory body.

An estimated ₹96 crore is expected to be sanctioned for these developments under a proposal from the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The funding is expected to cover the expansion of gates, installation of surveillance systems, infrastructure upgrades, and other security enhancements.

Context and Historical Background

Ajmer Dargah has been a site of historical and religious significance for centuries. In 2007, a blast at the shrine killed three pilgrims and injured 15 others, underscoring the need for robust security measures. More recently, the shrine was in the spotlight when Hindu Sena leader Vishnu Gupta claimed in court that a temple existed beneath the shrine and sought worship rights at the site.

The Union Home Ministry has also directed the Rajasthan government to monitor anti-social activities and check the presence of suspected undocumented immigrants in the shrine area. A significant number of suspected Bangladeshi nationals were detained in Ajmer during state-wide drives to identify undocumented immigrants, which have been politically contentious, especially with the Trinamool Congress alleging targeting of Bengali-speaking populations.

Benefits of the Proposed Measures

If implemented, the proposed measures are expected to:

• Enhance security and safety for pilgrims throughout the year, reducing risks of accidents or criminal activity.
• Prevent overcrowding and stampedes, particularly during peak festival times.
• Improve real-time monitoring of public safety through the integration of CCTVs with the Abhay Command Centre.
• Ensure better management of shrine staff via digital ID proofs linked to government records.
• Address infrastructure gaps including drainage, fire safety, and encroachment removal, creating a safer and more organized environment.
• Streamline pilgrim movement with waiting areas and expanded entry/exit points.

Next Steps

The proposal is now under review by the Union government. If approved, the Rajasthan home department and Ajmer municipality will coordinate implementation, including construction work, technology deployment, and administrative reforms. These measures aim to make the Ajmer Dargah a model for secure and organized pilgrimage sites, combining historical preservation with modern safety standards.

By strengthening security, improving infrastructure, and leveraging technology, the government aims to ensure that millions of devotees can visit the shrine safely and peacefully, preserving the sanctity and significance of this important religious site while addressing contemporary security and administrative challenges.