Problems Statements

Health Tech

1.How might we ensure real-time disease monitoring and surveillance during the Kumbh Mela to prevent and control outbreaks, especially water-borne diseases?

2.How might we enhance the reach and efficiency of paramedic services to provide timely medical assistance before the need for hospitalization?

3.How might we leverage technology to make healthcare services accessible to all, regardless of their location within the Kumbh Mela grounds?

4.How might we develop and implement a system for continuous sewage monitoring to identify and mitigate potential health risks throughout the event?

5.How might we educate attendees on maintaining gut health and address potential issues related to gut flora during the Kumbh Mela?

6.How can technology be used to monitor the health of attendees at entry points to identify potential health risks?

7.How can we leverage technology to effectively disseminate vital health information to the massive population attending the Kumbh Mela?

8.How might we integrate existing healthcare infrastructure with Kumbh Mela-specific needs to ensure efficient and comprehensive healthcare delivery?

9.How might we leverage telehealth and mobile health solutions to extend the reach of healthcare services and address the diverse needs of attendees?

10.How might we ensure data privacy and security while collecting and analyzing health-related data during the Kumbh Mela?

1.How might we optimize transport systems to efficiently manage the influx and outflow of millions of pilgrims while minimizing environmental impact?

2.How might we implement and maintain a comprehensive waste management system, including strategies for zero-waste practices and reverse logistics?

3.How might we ensure access to clean and filtered drinking water for all attendees, particularly during the monsoon season?

4.How might we effectively manage water levels in the river (Parvani) during the Kumbh Mela to accommodate the surge in demand and prevent ecological imbalance?

5.How might we ensure the availability and maintenance of sufficient community-managed public toilets to prevent open defecation and promote hygiene?

6.How might we optimize resource utilization and minimize duplication, considering the dual locations of Nashik and Trimbakeshwar, to enhance the event’s sustainability?

7.How might we design and construct infrastructure for multiple uses beyond Kumbh Mela?

8.How might we engage local communities in sustainability initiatives during the Kumbh Mela to promote environmental responsibility?

9.How might we measure and assess the environmental impact of the Kumbh Mela to identify areas for improvement by capturing indicators?

10.How might we promote and incentivize sustainable practices among attendees to minimize their environmental footprint during the event?

11.How might we engage schools and colleges in raising awareness about waste reduction and sustainable practices during the event?

1.How might we implement effective crowd management strategies to prevent stampedes and ensure the safety of millions of attendees, especially during events like the Shahi Snan?

2.How might we make the Kumbh Mela accessible and inclusive to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, including the elderly and those with disabilities?

3.How might we leverage technology for real-time data collection and analysis to improve crowd management, grievance redressal, and resource allocation during the Kumbh Mela?

4.How might we maximize the benefits of the Kumbh Mela for local businesses and artisans while preserving cultural heritage?

5.How might we facilitate seamless communication and coordination between attendees and local administrative bodies responsible for security, health, and transport?

6.How might we address the challenges of managing temporary housing and accommodation for the vast number of pilgrims arriving for the Kumbh Mela?

7.How might we ensure the safety and security of personal belongings, considering the massive influx of people and the temporary nature of accommodations?

8.How might we address language barriers and promote cross-cultural understanding in such a diverse gathering?

1.How might we leverage technology to improve the overall experience of attendees by providing information, facilitating navigation, and enhancing safety?

2.How might we capture and preserve the stories and experiences of attendees to document the cultural significance of the Kumbh Mela?

3.How might we design and implement a unified platform that provides attendees with comprehensive information, services, and support throughout the event?

4.How can we do effective crowd monitoring, security surveillance, and incident response?

5.How might we showcase the rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance of the Kumbh Mela through immersive experiences?

6.How might we establish a knowledge-sharing platform to document best practices, analyze data from past events, and facilitate continuous improvement for future Kumbh Melas?

7.How might we enhance transparency, security, and efficiency in areas like ticketing, donations, and supply chain management?

8.How might we create a virtual or augmented reality experience of the Kumbh Mela to extend its reach and impact beyond the physical event?

9.How might we use the Kumbh Mela as a platform for promoting social good and addressing societal issues like poverty, education, and healthcare?

10.How might we explore alternative materials and construction techniques to reduce reliance on plastic and minimize the environmental footprint of the event?

11.How might we foster innovation and entrepreneurship by engaging startups and businesses in developing solutions for the challenges of the Kumbh Mela?

1.How might we design food supply chain management systems that could optimise the distribution of food resources to ensure that all relevant stakeholders have access to safe and nutritious meals?

2.How might we analyze real-time data on food demand and supply to prevent shortages and reduce food waste during festivals?

3.How might we help pilgrims locate nearby food stalls that meet their dietary preferences and safety standards?

4.How might we enhance food safety monitoring by using sensors and data analytics to detect contamination in food supplies before they reach consumers?

5.How might we provide instant information on food options, nutritional content, and hygiene practices to pilgrims ensuring informed choices?

6.How might we predict peak food demand times and adjust staffing and inventory accordingly to improve service efficiency?

7.How might we help local vendors understand consumer preferences and adapt their offerings to better serve the diverse crowd at Kumbh Mela?

8.How might we design a platform for food donations, connecting surplus food from vendors to local charities, ensuring that no food goes to waste?

1.How might we enhance preparedness for potential disasters such as stampedes, fires, floods, earthquakes, and epidemics during the Kumbh Mela?

2.How might we develop and implement a robust emergency response system that ensures timely and effective action in case of any unforeseen events?

3.How might we integrate technology, including drones, satellite phones, and disaster management software, to improve communication, coordination, and response during emergencies?

4.How might we raise awareness and educate attendees about safety procedures and emergency protocols to minimize risks and ensure their well-being?

5.How might we establish clear communication channels to disseminate critical information swiftly and effectively to attendees in case of emergencies?

6.How might we improve the structural integrity and fire safety of temporary accommodations to mitigate risks associated with fire hazards?

7.How might we develop and implement a system for early warning and detection of potential hazards, such as overcrowding, structural instability, or disease outbreaks?

8.How might we ensure adequate medical facilities and resources are readily available to handle mass casualty incidents and potential disease outbreaks?

9.How might we train and equip volunteers and first responders to effectively handle emergency situations and provide immediate assistance to those in need?

10.How might we conduct comprehensive risk assessments and develop mitigation plans for potential hazards specific to the Kumbh Mela environment?

1.How might we use immersive technologies like AR/VR to create engaging cultural experiences that enhance attendees’ appreciation of traditions and art forms?

2.How might we enable local artists and artisans to showcase and monetize their work effectively during the event using digital platforms?

3.How might we integrate real-time cultural programming that adapts to audience preferences and attendance patterns during large-scale events?

4.How might we design tech-enabled installations that celebrate cultural diversity while creating memorable experiences for attendees?

1.How might we design and deploy temporary but durable infrastructure to accommodate large crowds while minimizing environmental impact?

2.How might we use technology to monitor and manage essential utilities like water, electricity, and waste disposal in real time during the event?

3.How might we create scalable and reusable modular structures to address the diverse needs of attendees at large public gatherings?

4.How might we improve mobility and access within the event grounds through smart infrastructure solutions tailored to the needs of elderly and differently-abled attendees?

1.How might we leverage AI for predictive crowd management, ensuring safety and efficiency at mass gatherings?

2.How might we use AI to improve the precision and accessibility of public welfare messaging during large events, ensuring inclusivity across languages and literacy levels?

3.How might we design AI-powered tools to optimize resource allocation and reduce response times during emergencies at large gatherings?

4.How might we utilize AI-driven analytics to gather actionable insights from attendee behavior, enhancing decision-making and overall event management?

Problem Statements Inspired from Prayagraj

Smart & Credible Room Booking System

Problem: Devotees visiting Nashik for the first time may face confusion and lack of credibility in online accommodation bookings (e.g., incorrect room type, pricing mismatches, fraudulent listings).
Challenge: Develop a trust-based booking platform that ensures real-time verification of room availability, transparent pricing, and secure transactions. Can AI-driven chatbots assist with queries? Can decentralized ledgers be used for credibility tracking?

Problem: Devotees often rely on hotel owners for luggage safety when they step out, with no dedicated secure storage options.
Challenge: Develop temporary but secure luggage storage hubs in key areas, using QR-code-based lockers, GPS tracking, and IoT-enabled security mechanisms to provide a seamless, tamper-proof solution.

Problem: At Prayagraj, most gig workers were engaged in the Kumbh, disrupting services like Ola/Uber, Swiggy, and Zomato in the rest of the city.
Challenge: Design a dynamic workforce allocation system that allows balanced distribution of gig workers across Nashik. Can an AI-driven gig workforce marketplace dynamically balance the supply-demand gap?

Problem: Free food distribution (Langars) faced challenges in queue management, waste disposal, peak-hour congestion, and hygiene maintenance.
Challenge: Develop a real-time food center optimization system with AI-driven queue management, digital meal tokens, waste tracking, and volunteer scheduling tools.

Problem: At Prayagraj, lost-and-found centers struggled with manual data handling, lack of linguistic support, and slow family reunifications.
Challenge: Build a centralized AI-powered matching system that cross-checks Lost & Found cases, integrates facial recognition, supports multi-language communication, and auto-alerts administrative heads of different regions.

Problem: Local transport at Kumbh is mostly unregulated, leading to arbitrary pricing, congestion, and long travel times.
Challenge: Create a dynamic local transit system that integrates ridesharing, digital pricing meters, crowd heatmaps, and AI-driven route optimization to regulate travel within Nashik during Kumbh.

Problem: Visitors struggle with navigation due to inadequate signages and lack of integrated maps.
Challenge: Design an AR-enabled real-time navigation system using interactive signboards, voice-assisted maps, and GPS-based route planning for better traveler experience.

Problem: Managing finances in a crowded festival is difficult; cash handling is insecure, slow, and prone to fraud.

Challenge: Develop wearable digital wallets (e.g., RFID wristbands, mobile payment integrations, UPI-based prepaid systems) for seamless transactions across vendors and service providers.

Problem: Kumbh generates tons of waste daily, with inadequate real-time monitoring and waste segregation practices.
Challenge: Build an IoT-enabled waste collection and segregation system, using smart bins with sensors, AI-powered waste mapping, and real-time alerts for collection.

Problem: Handling medical emergencies, fires, or security incidents in a dense, chaotic crowd is extremely challenging.
Challenge: Develop a real-time AI-driven emergency response platform integrating heatmap-based crowd monitoring, instant distress alerts, and automated deployment of medical/security teams.

Problem: A makeshift railway station was set up at Prayagraj for smoother crowd flow but lacked automated scheduling, crowd segregation, and communication channels.
Challenge: Design an AI-powered station management system that predicts train arrival/departure timings, assists in crowd control, and enables digital ticketing solutions.

Problem: The AR/VR-based Immersive Experience Center at Prayagraj was profitable, breaking the stereotype that such experiences are loss-making.
Challenge: How can Nashik design a profitable spiritual tourism model using holography, AR/VR experiences, and digital storytelling?

Problem: Traffic congestion severely impacts locals, especially students and daily commuters.
Challenge: Can we implement a real-time AI-based traffic control system with smart signals, predictive rerouting, and automated traffic diversion strategies to minimize roadblocks?

Problem: The increasing digital and media hype around Kumbh, including social media trends, influencer promotions, and extensive news coverage, is expected to drive higher footfall at Nashik’s Kumbh. However, lack of predictive insights can lead to under-prepared infrastructure, overcrowding, and resource mismanagement.

Challenge: Develop an AI-driven predictive analytics model that tracks and analyzes social media trends, online travel bookings, keyword searches, and past footfall data to estimate the expected visitor count at different phases of the event. This model can help optimize city planning, resource allocation, and emergency preparedness.