The stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela, which killed 30 people and left 60 injured, is a stark reminder that without a strong disaster management plan, events of such magnitude can lead to overwhelming tragedies.
The episode has raised the issue of crowd management at religious congregations.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) conducted a detailed study on this issue in a 2014 report, highlighting the causes of stampedes and outlining steps to mitigate them.
The NDMA report, alluded to by a national daily, cites structural problems, including flimsy barricades, narrow entrances and ill-constructed temporary structures responsible for such disasters. Other contributing factors comprise the management of people who lack civic sense, and weak coordination among stakeholders, followed by unforeseen surges in mass gatherings.
The report said that inefficient crowd control can rapidly lead to potentially dangerous situations, especially when panic or excitement takes hold of people.
It adds that historically, compressive asphyxia has been the most common cause of death in stampedes.
In addition, the report highlights crowd behaviour, which is also an important factor in the occurrence of stampedes. It says that individual behaviour in a crowd can have an impact on the group as a whole.
In many cases, illegal acts — like individuals attempting to vault over barricades — can result in a cascade response, with others joining in and contributing to overcrowding. After all, crowd psychology can be complex. A strong infrastructure is imperative to control a boisterous crowd.
The report raises the possibility of implementing registration processes or entry limits for religious events to control attendees.
The NDMA report also highlights the August 2003 catastrophe during the Nashik Kumbh, which claimed the lives of 29 pilgrims. In this instance, the investigation discovered that inadequate crowd control and packed, poorly planned entry points were significant contributing factors.
In January 2005, 293 people died in another mega event at the Kalubai Yatra Mandhardevi in Maharashtra. The investigation revealed that poor infrastructure, a lack of understanding between stakeholders, and insufficient safety precautions caused the catastrophe.
The report makes a number of proactive recommendations to stop stampedes in the future. These include monitoring the outflow and controlling the influx of people and the throng inside the arena.
By knowing historical attendance trends, peak hours, and transit schedules, authorities may predict crowd demand. Authorities should also figure out the venue’s capacity to ensure that the number of guests doesn’t go above acceptable bounds.
The significance of developing suitable infrastructure for crowd control, especially in places of worship, is emphasised. It entails establishing staging areas with sufficient restrooms, food, water, and sanitary facilities. Monitoring systems should also be in place.
Information management is also essential for averting chaos. The NDMA report stresses providing visitors with clear information about crowd control techniques, safety precautions, and the event’s general plan.
While the overwhelming scale of such events can make management challenging, proactive planning, improved infrastructure, and a better understanding of crowd behaviour can significantly reduce the risk of future tragedies.
By learning from past incidents and implementing these strategies, authorities can help ensure the safety of millions who gather for such events, preventing further loss of life.
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