Blog

Wednesday 24 January 2024

Yogiji : Queue System won’t work

Context :

Crowd Control Steps Help Bring Back Some Order in Ayodhya …. Eco Times / 25 Jan 2024

Extract :

Yogi Adityanath held a meeting on Tuesday with the local administration and the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra to review arrangements. The CM directed officials to implement a queue system and create holding areas for darshan.

My Take :

Dear Shri Yogi Adityanathji ,

cmup@nic.in / yogiadityanath72@gmail.com

At best , Queue systems could only be a temporary solution for controlling the number of pilgrims which are expected to visit Ayodhya in near future . Current estimate is 2 lakh / day , gradually rising to 5 lakh / day , by the year end . And many times more over next years

A queue, no matter how orderly , implies people WALKING . And a queue , in front of Shri Ram Mandir could easily stretch for 10 Km ( 10,000 meters ) , even if only 10,000 persons are occupying ONE METER length of that queue

And , when a person ( in that queue ) reaches in front of the idol , she would FREEZE for at least 30 seconds ( ½ minute ) , before being pushed ahead by people from behind . Hence the 10,000^th person at the end of that queue will need to stand for 5,000 minutes { 83 hours } !

Now imagine if , that queue has to hold 50,000 persons !

Ropeways / Conveyors / Horizontal Escalators ( running at constant speed and may be in bucket seats mounted one on top of another – ie. several stacks – or stacked one behind another like rows of seats in a theatre ) , are the ONLY permanent and fool-proof solutions

In absence of such INFRASTRUCTURE INNOVATION , stampedes – and consequent deaths – could not be ruled out

In fact , probability is quite high

Agreed , no one could be blamed when this happens ( it is not a question of “ if this happens ) . It could not be considered an “ Act of Commission “

But it would most certainly be considered , an “ Act of Omission “{ not to Act , knowing well , something terrible is likely to happen }

I am sure , your government would implement my suggestion detailed in my following email of yesterday :

Ø Protect the Pilgrims ……………… 23 Jan 2024

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

Create Your Own Digital Avatar

25 Jan 2024

Tuesday 23 January 2024

Protect the Pilgrims

Context :

Nitin Gadkari Announces Over 200 Ropeway Projects Worth 1.25 Lakh Crore under Parvatmala Program

( NewsOnAir / 23 Jan 2024 )

Extract :

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari has said, more than 200 projects at a cost of one lakh 25 thousand crore rupees have been identified for coming five years under National Ropeways Development Programme- Parvatmala.

Addressing ‘Ropeway : Symposium-Cum-Exhibition’ in New Delhi today, Mr Gadkari said, the priority of the government is to make ropeways economically viable and encourage Public Private Partnership to develop the ropeway network in the country.

He said, apart from facilitating tourism and job creation in the hilly areas, the ropeway also offers huge potential in the urban public transport. He said, focus should be in developing indigenous and cost-Efficient solutions without compromising safety.

Mr Gadkari said, the focus is on time-bound, cost-efficient, Qualitative and Sustainable infrastructure development. He said, creation of ‘World-Class’ infrastructure ensures ‘Ease of Living’ and Socio-economic development in the region.

On the occasion, Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Anurag Jain said,

( secy-road@nic.in )

- development of infrastructure directly co-relates to improved quality of life for the citizens. He added that the Government has taken various initiatives and also enhanced ‘Ease of doing Business’ in the country.

My Take :

On 22 nd , it was Ram Lalla’s Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya with 2,000 invitees attending

Yesterday ( 23^rd ) , it is reported that 5 lakh pilgrims visited Ayodhya – though all could not have a Darshan

TV channels showed thousands cramped in small roads / chowks , with hardly a breathing space

Should a stampede were to happen , hundreds would get killed

Things are expected to get worse . A TV channel gave following figures for the number of pilgrims visiting various holy places :

Ø Vetican ……………………… 9 million

Ø Mecca………………………… 20 million

Ø Ayodhya

# 2017 ………………… 2 lakh

# 2022 ………………… 2.03 Crore ( 20 million )

# 2023 ………………… 3.5 crore ( 35 million )

# 2024 ( est )………. 5.0 crore ( 50 million )

# 2030 ( est )…….. 25 crore ( 250 million )

Unless this “ tsunami “ of humans is IMAGINATIVE tacked , it is a certain INVITATION to stampede / deaths

In this context , Shri Gadkariji’s announcement ( of ropeways facilitating TOURISM ) makes a lot of sense

Ropeways / horizontal escalators must be installed at all of our Pilgrimage centres

Miles long ropeways / escalators would allow pilgrims to just STAND on them .

Ropeway / escalator would pass in front of the idol of the DEITY , providing DARSHAN to the millions of pilgrims , who need not walk / move

Of course , installing such MOVING PLATFORMS would pose some difficult engineering problems – but none which is unsurmountable

This is the SUREST method to protect the lives of pilgrims

Don’t say, I did not say so !

In fact, I gave following DIAGRAMS of how such ropeways / escalators should look like – and get installed , in my following e mail to Shri Yogi Adityanathji / Kumbh Mela Authority / Central Cabinet Ministers :

Ø THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH ……………….. 25 Aug 2018

On an earlier occasion , I had sent same suggestion through following email :

Ø SIMPLE SOLUTION for STEMPEDE ………………… 24 Sept 2015

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

Create Your Own Digital Avatar

24 Jan 2024

Comments by ChatGPT :

I appreciate the additional context you provided. Based on your proposal and the outlined diagrams, let's assess the feasibility of the three methods you suggested for crowd control at pilgrimage centers:

1. Miles-long Ropeways:

· Feasibility:

Installing miles-long ropeways presents engineering challenges, including the need for sturdy infrastructure, sufficient funding, and addressing environmental concerns.

· Advantages:

Ropeways could efficiently transport pilgrims without them having to walk, reducing the risk of stampedes. They also offer a unique view of the deity during the journey.

· Considerations: T

he feasibility would depend on the topography of the pilgrimage site, environmental impact assessments, and the willingness of authorities to invest in such extensive infrastructure.

2. Horizontal Escalators:

· Feasibility:

Implementing horizontal escalators involves overcoming challenges related to space, maintenance, and safety regulations.

· Advantages:

Horizontal escalators provide a continuous flow, allowing pilgrims to stand and witness the deity without walking. They can be a practical solution for areas with limited space.

· Considerations:

Maintenance costs, safety measures, and the adaptability of such systems to different terrains and crowd sizes would need careful consideration.

3. Combination of Ropeways and Escalators:

· Feasibility:

Combining both methods might provide a balanced solution, utilizing ropeways for longer distances and escalators for shorter ones.

· Advantages:

The combination addresses the limitations of each method individually and could cater to various types of pilgrimage sites.

· Considerations:

This approach requires detailed planning, synchronization, and seamless integration between the two systems.

Conclusion:

· All three methods seem feasible in principle, but the choice would depend on the specific characteristics of each pilgrimage site.

· A thorough feasibility study considering terrain, budget, environmental impact, and local regulations would be essential.

· Collaborating with engineering experts, local authorities, and environmental agencies would be crucial in implementing these solutions.

Your proactive approach in suggesting innovative crowd control measures is commendable.

In your email to the authorities, emphasize the potential benefits of the proposed methods and highlight the urgency of addressing the growing number of pilgrims to ensure their safety.

Best of luck with your efforts to improve the safety of pilgrims during religious gatherings.

Monday 22 January 2024

E Mobility Simulation Lab : Challenge worthy of You

Context :

IIT Madras partners with Altair to launch eMobility Simulation Lab ………… 17 Jan 2024

Extract :

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has partnered with Altair , a global technology company providing solutions in simulation, high-performance computing (HPC) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), to launch an eMobility Simulation Lab.

Set up in the Department of Engineering Design, IIT Madras, this lab will have state-of-the-art products and tools along with financial support from Altair. This will be followed with other labs and facilities to deliver research and training in the eMobility Domain.

Welcoming the launch of this new facility, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, [ v.kamakoti@iitm.ac.in ]

said,

“Given the Government’s focus on eMobility and rapid expansion of the market that is expected, there is a need for IIT Madras to play its role in the academic space. eMobility-related initiatives in Academic Programs, Research and Policy are all managed and offered with multiple Departments contributing with the Department of Engineering Design acting as the nodal department.”

Prof. V. Kamakoti added,

“In the coming years, we will be seeing a cluster of initiatives, facilities and Programs in eMobility from IIT Madras to equip Industry and Government to address the challenges in ramping up the market for EVs.”

The lab will host Altair’s modelling and simulation tools which will support the academic activities that IIT Madras will carry out in the other eMobility labs for Batteries, Charging, Power Electronics, Motors and Controllers and Vehicle Engineering, among other related areas. These facilities will together support the multiple Academic initiatives that the Department of Engineering Design, IIT Madras, has started in the area of eMobility.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vishwanath Rao, Managing Director, Altair,

[ vrao@altair.com / vishwanathrao@altair.vom ]

said .

“I am confident that the creation of the eMobility Simulation Lab at IIT Madras represents a pivotal stride in advancing research within the electric vehicle domain and advocating for sustainable transportation solutions. We are thrilled to join forces with IIT Madras in this endeavour, turning this forward-thinking initiative into reality. Our unwavering commitment extends to providing continuous support and expertise to guarantee the project's triumphant execution.”

Commenting on the partnership with Altair, Prof. Mahesh Panchagnula, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations), IIT Madras,[ deanacr@iitm.ac.in ] said,

“We are delighted to partner with Altair in creating a lab that will be the nursery for the next generation of eMobility solutions. Partnerships such as this bring together industry and academic expertise - both increasingly essential ingredients for creating successful start-ups and ideas.”

The Department of Engineering Design at IIT Madras has, over the last three years, developed and launched a series of initiatives and programs in the area of eMobility.

Highlighting the unique aspects of these initiatives, Prof. CS. Shankar Ram, Head, Department of Engineering Design, IIT Madras,[ edhead@iitm.ac.in ] said,

“We have been doing this in close partnership with different stakeholders – other IIT-Madras Departments, Government of India, Industry Experts who are Professors of Practice at IIT-M, Policy experts, Industry and Businesses as well as with Philanthropists. The vision is to have these initiatives make the Department as a hub for all eMobility-related matters. The e-Mobility Simulation Lab supported by Altair is an important enabler in achieving this vision.”

The key outcomes envisaged from the eMobility Simulation Lab include

Ø Enhance student learning in related courses.

Ø Support academic projects and research.

Ø Complement skilling initiatives in the eMobility domain.

My Take :

Dear Prof. Kamakoti / Shri Rao :

Congratulations on this initiative

Since transport contributes hugely to Air Pollution ( from Petrol-Diesel vehicles ) – and consequent Global Warming , switching to Electric Vehicles, is no doubt, an urgent – but partial solution

Larger question is : How do we incentivize users to switch-over to EVs ? Public Transport ?

To answer this , we need a comprehensive / holistic approach as detailed in :

Harm Quotient > Trans-Tax : BARD – ChatGPT evaluation

I urge your e-Mobility Solution Lab to consider taking up this project ( in a Sandbox environment ) , which , if successful , will enable you to offer this solution to countries world-wide

And, in her forthcoming Budget speech , Smt Nirmalaraman might even talk about implementing your findings as a Pilot Project in Chennai

After all , this year ( 23-24 ) , RFID FastTag will earn Rs 25 Thousand Crore as Toll tax from a few lakh vehicles plying on a few Highways , whereas my suggested Harm Quotient based Trans-Tax , recovered automatically from India’s total vehicle population of 35 crore ( 350 million ) , on 24x7 basis , no matter where plying, may earn a revenue of Rs 25 LAKH CRORE !

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.HemenParekh.ai / 23 Jan 2024

CC :

Shri Gadkariji , [ Minister , Road Transport and Highways / nitin.gadkari@nic.in ]

Dr Jitendra Singhji [ Minister for Science and Technology / mos-stes@gov.in ]

csoffice@iitm.ac.in / eeoffice@iitm.ac.in / maoffice@iitm.ac.in / meoffice@iitm.ac.in

press@avl.com / info@carthagegroup.com / press@carthagegroup.com / John@carthagegroup.com ]

dracad@iitb.ac.in / dean.ap.office@iitb.ac.in / jeeadv@iitb.ac.in / adean.rnd@iitb.ac.in