The Lal Bahadur Shastri reservoir, also called Almatti Dam, is getting plentiful water after the heavy rainfall in its catchment areas. The dam is now equipped with Artificial Intelligence-based CCTV cameras that can keep a head count of visitors and capture each visitor's face as there is a heavy flow of visitors even in the night hours.

D Basavaraja, chief engineer-in-charge, Krishna Bhagya Jal Nigam Limited, Dam Zone, Almatti, said that AI is being used for two weeks, and officials are experimenting with it to ensure dam premises safety and visitor security. He added, "Surveillance of the garden area involves 102 still cameras, three pans, tilt and zoom (PTZ) cameras and two panoramic cameras with 360-degree views. With this, we can track human activities in the garden area. Head counting cameras are installed at the main entrance at the petrol pump area, Moghul Garden and Musical Fountain,"

He claimed that the AI usage is now in its experimental phase, but they have not found any black spots in the system. The CCTVs are expected to have a 10-year compatibility to install additional cameras and upgrade technology in future. He opined that using AI-based surveillance enables them to incorporate vehicle number plate identification systems and advanced ticket counters. He stated, "They will work even if the power supply is interrupted for 4-5 hours and give clear images even at night. These cameras will play a crucial role in preventing thefts."

Mohan Desai, managing partner of Somindra Marketing Company, Hubballi, provided the technology to KBJNL. He said that a 55-inch screen had been installed in the control room to monitor activities at all 107 camera spots. AI can count and detect faces. We have enabled it on ten cameras installed at strategic points. This will ensure all visitors leave a specific location on time. This attempt is the first of its kind at any dam in the state," he added.