Anantnag, Jun 05 (KNO): To enhance the safety and security of pilgrims and tourists during the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, Anantnag Police launched the 'Pahchan App', a QR code-based mobile application aimed at registering and verifying service providers operating along the Yatra route and at major tourist destinations.
A police officer explained to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the application has been developed to register and regulate service providers associated with the Yatra and the tourism sector.
"The application enables instant, on-the-spot verification of service providers and creates a secure ecosystem by clearly distinguishing registered and verified individuals from unregistered ones," he said.
The officer said the primary objective of the initiative is to strengthen the security grid during the Yatra by preventing the entry of unverified or anti-social elements in the guise of service providers.
"By creating a digital record of all authorised persons, the app brings greater transparency and accountability to the services offered to pilgrims and tourists," he added.
The application would also facilitate better crowd management by ensuring organised and regulated service delivery, thereby reducing disputes, overcharging and congestion along the Yatra tracks.
The officer said the app is expected to instil confidence among pilgrims, tourists and residents. "It will ensure that Yatris, tourists and local citizens interact only with verified service providers," he said, adding that the app also empowers genuine service providers by providing them with a digital identity and formal recognition.
A tourist said it would contribute immensely to public safety.
"The QR code provides a sense of security and safety for tourists. It is a very good initiative. Safety is the priority and is extremely essential," the tourist said.
Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anantnag, Amod Ashok Nagpure, told KNO that elaborate security arrangements have been put in place to ensure a safe and peaceful pilgrimage scheduled to commence on July 3.
He said 140 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will be deployed across the district, while several technology-driven measures, including the newly launched 'Pahchan App', have been introduced to strengthen security and streamline pilgrim services.
Nagpure said all service providers associated with the Yatra, including pony handlers, pithoos and taxi operators, have been verified through the app and issued QR codes by the police.
"Pilgrims, tourists and security personnel can scan these QR codes to verify the credentials of service providers and ensure that they are police-verified," he said.
The SSP said the step is aimed at keeping illegal and unregistered service providers away from the Yatra and preventing anti-social elements from infiltrating the pilgrimage area.
He added that police have further strengthened security measures by increasing CCTV surveillance, installing elevated watchtowers, introducing AI-based facial recognition systems and enhancing RFID-based monitoring to ensure foolproof security during the pilgrimage—(KNO)