BMC approves QR codes on street name boards and AI crowd monitoring in Mumbai

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) general body has approved three technology-driven proposals aimed at modernizing public spaces, preserving heritage, and tackling environmental challenges across Mumbai. Moved by BJP corporator Tajinder Singh Tiwana, the newly approved initiatives include creating "open digital museums" using QR codes on street name boards, installing floating waste barriers in water bodies, and implementing artificial intelligence (AI) crowd monitoring at key tourist sites.

The first proposal seeks to transform Mumbai's roads, junctions, and public places named after eminent personalities into interactive educational spaces. Under this plan, name boards at these locations will be fitted with QR codes. Citizens, tourists, and students can scan these codes using their mobile devices to access detailed information about the individuals.

The digital content displayed upon scanning will include biographies, photographs, historical contributions, audio-visual material, and multilingual information. To maintain historical accuracy, the BMC will verify and authenticate all information through government records, academic institutions, and professional historians.

According to Tiwana, while several roads and public spaces across the city are named after freedom fighters, social reformers, scientists, writers, and other distinguished personalities, most citizens remain unaware of their contributions. This initiative aims to address this gap and increase public awareness, particularly among younger generations and visitors to the city.

The other two newly approved proposals focus on environmental and safety issues in Mumbai. The BMC will install floating waste barriers to tackle pollution in local water bodies. Additionally, the civic body will implement AI crowd monitoring systems at key tourist destinations to improve public safety and manage large gatherings.

The proposals were recently cleared by the BMC general body, paving the way for their future implementation across the city's civic infrastructure.