Reforming Crowd Management in India 

Source: This post on Reforming Crowd Management in India  has been created based on article “An avoidable tragedy” published in The Hindu on 27th December 2024. 

UPSC Syllabus topic: GS 2- Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation 

Context: The article addresses the persistent issue of stampedes in India, highlighting the country’s distressingly high number of such incidents, which often result in significant injuries and fatalities. 

What is the scale of stampede-related tragedies in India? 

1. India faces a significant issue with stampedes, leading to injuries and fatalities. 
2. Between 1996 and 2022, the National Crime Records Bureau recorded 3,935 stampedes resulting in over 3,000 deaths.  
3. These incidents highlight chronic failures in public safety, particularly during religious festivals, political rallies, and celebrity appearances. 

Which events are most prone to stampedes in India? 

1. Religious Gatherings: In 2011, 106 people died in a stampede at Sabarimala on a narrow pathway. In 2013, during the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, 36 people were killed at a railway station due to overcrowding. 
2. Political Rallies: In 2014, over 30 people died during a stampede at Gandhi Maidan, Patna. 
3. Celebrity Appearances: While rare, these events also pose risks. A recent incident occurred during a promotional event for Pushpa 2: The Rule, where Telugu actor Allu Arjun’s surprise appearance caused a stampede, resulting in the death of Revathi, a 35-year-old woman. Her 8-year-old son, Sri Tej, is critically injured. 
4. Stampedes stem from: Negligence in planning and preparation, mismanagement of crowds and inadequate infrastructure to handle large gatherings. 

What steps can India take to improve crowd management? 

1. Spatial Planning: Ensure proper spatial and thermal comfort during events. Also provide sufficient hydration facilities to prevent exhaustion. 
2. Improved Infrastructure: Create multiple entry and exit points to handle projected crowd sizes. 
3. Emergency Preparedness: Deploy trained personnel, medical aid, and effective chaos management protocols. 
4. Mandatory Standards: Establish and enforce non-negotiable standards for crowd safety during events. 

Why is prioritizing crowd safety essential? 

1. Whether for faith, fandom, or politics, India must take responsibility for protecting its citizens.  
2. By adopting robust measures for crowd management, the country can prevent avoidable tragedies and ensure public safety at mass gatherings.