Kolkata: The EC will use an AI-based video analytics program to monitor polling stations across Bengal. The system analyzes live footage from webcasting cameras and instantly alerts you to signs of trouble, allowing authorities to identify problem booths and dispatch security forces without delay.“Artificial intelligence will help identify problem booths in real-time, allowing sector teams to reach the spot within 15-20 minutes,” said an EC official. Once an alarm is generated, the microobserver reviews the feed and notifies the observer, returning officer, or sector officer depending on the situation.Control rooms have been set up at multiple levels, including the Returning Officer’s office, District Election Officer, Chief Electoral Officer and the EC headquarters of Nirbachan Sadan. Each screen displays live footage from 12 booths in a parliamentary district at once, with micro-observers rotating the feed to cover every polling place. Observers can also access live footage on their mobile devices.To ensure data security, all webcams are connected to cloud storage, and a micro SD card stores a day’s worth of footage locally as a backup. The EC noted concerns about possible camera tampering and said sector teams equipped with technicians and backup cameras would respond immediately. “Any such incident will be dealt with immediately and a re-investigation may be ordered,” the official added.
