{"id":374096,"date":"2026-10-19T16:04:14","date_gmt":"2026-10-19T10:34:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/?p=374096"},"modified":"2026-10-19T16:05:20","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T10:35:20","slug":"stampede-disaster-its-management-in-india-explained-pointwise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/stampede-disaster-its-management-in-india-explained-pointwise\/","title":{"rendered":"Stampede Disaster & its Management in India – Explained Pointwise"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/p>\n
At least 19 people were killed & more were injured after a crowd surge at a Durga Pandal in Kolkata recently. This calls for a detailed look into the issue of Stampede Disaster and the measures needed to be taken to manage it.<\/p>\n
The stampedes occur due to structural and design failures in the buildings, bridges etc. This includes the following causes: \n(a) Structural collapse<\/span> of makeshift bridges, railings, temporary structures. \n(b) Improper and unauthorised built structures.<\/span> \n(c) Railings of the bridge collapsing<\/span> due to panic triggered by rumours. \n(d) Difficult terrain<\/span> (famous religious sites built on top of hills that are difficult to access). \n(e) Narrow streets<\/span> with very few entry\/exits. \n(f) Absence of emergency exits.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
This includes the following causes: \n(a) Fire in a makeshift facility<\/span> or a shop<\/span>, and illegal and unauthorised structure. \n(b) Non-availability of fire extinguishers<\/span> in working condition. \n(c) Building and fire code violations<\/span>, unauthorized fireworks in enclosed places. \n(d) Electricity supply failure creating panic<\/span> and triggering a sudden exodus. \n(e) Illegal electric connections<\/span> and faulty electric equipment.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Crowd Behaviour<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n
The stampedes are either triggered or made worse by panic. Crowd behaviour plays an important role in it<\/span>. Following are some crowd behaviour causes: \n(a) Craze: In large group settings, this “craze” percolates to every member and can make them act in detriment to their own individual interests. For e.g.<\/strong>\u00a0One of the major causes behind the recent Hathras Stampede<\/span> has been the rush to touch the preacher\u2019s feet and trying to collect soil from where he walked. \n(b) Crowds forcing to entrance\/exits<\/span> a venue after the start\/closing time \n(c) Rush during distribution<\/span> of disaster relief supplies \n(d) A large<\/span> (much more than expected) anxious and competitive crowd<\/span> gathering at promotional events \n(f) Unruly and irresponsible<\/span> crowd behaviour \n(g) Last minute change in platform for train arrival\/departure<\/span> resulting in lots of movements within short period of time.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Security Issues<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n
This includes: \n(a) Security Personnel:<\/strong> \n(i) Under deployment of security staff<\/span> and deployment of untrained staff \n(ii) Lack of adequate rehearsals<\/span> and briefing of security personnel on crowd control \n(iii) Lack of adequate scientific planning<\/span> in making police arrangement to deal with crowd with proper sectoral deployment, and lack of proper wireless deployment \n(iv) Ineptitude of the police<\/span> in effectively managing the crowd and enforcing prohibitory orders \n(b) Surveillance:<\/strong> \n(i) Lack of adequate observation towers<\/span> with proper wireless communication to monitor and regulate crowd \n(ii) Lack of adequate CCTV surveillance<\/span> of the crowd \n(iii) Absence of public announcement systems<\/span> or effective wireless system with the police; \n(c) Infrastructure:<\/strong> \n(i) Lack of adequate road opening parties<\/span> to secure the routes \n(ii) Lack of adequate metal detectors<\/span> and frisking of pilgrims entering the pilgrimage area or persons entering the gathering area.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Lack of Coordination between Stakeholders<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n
This includes the following issues: \n(a) Coordination gap between agencies<\/span> (e.g. Police and District Magistrate; PWD, Fire Service, Forest officials, Revenue officials, Medical officers etc.) \n(b) Poor infrastructure<\/span> (Plans on paper but no implementation due to lack of funds, resources, or will). \n(c) Inadequate water<\/span>, medical assistance<\/span>, public transport<\/span>\/parking facilities. \n<\/span>(d) Communication delays<\/span> \n(e) Vacant<\/span>\/late<\/span>\/delayed posting<\/span> of key personnel.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
![\"Stampede](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Gemini_Generated_Image_hkz87jhkz87jhkz8.png?resize=750%2C409&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n![\"Stampede](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Stampede-Disaster-Process.png?resize=571%2C359&ssl=1\")
![\"Stampede](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Stampedes.png?resize=590%2C540&ssl=1\")
![\"Stampede](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Stampede-Prevention.png?resize=536%2C497&ssl=1\")