Stampedes in India: Causes and Solutions
Overview
India is becoming a focal point for stampedes across various events such as religious festivals, sports gatherings, railway stations, political rallies, and even schools. While some attribute this to illiteracy, the real issue lies in inadequate crowd management.
Contributing Factors
- Rising Middle Class: An increase in prosperity allows more people to attend events, leading to larger crowds.
- Urbanization: As urban areas grow, managing large crowds becomes more challenging.
- Event Demand: High demand for events, often signifying success, contributes to overcrowding.
Notable Incidents
- 11 killed at an IPL celebration in Bengaluru in June.
- 3 deaths at the Puri Rath Yatra in the same month.
- 18 fatalities at New Delhi Railway Station in February.
- 30 died at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, and 6 in a Tirupati stampede in January.
- 121 people killed at a religious event in Hathras, UP, last year.
Challenges in Crowd Management
- Crowd density exceeding venue capacities, e.g., Bengaluru IPL event was 8 times over capacity.
- Crowds with a density of more than 4 individuals per meter are considered dangerous.
Solutions and Recommendations
- Real-Time Monitoring: Use of CCTV and technology to monitor crowd density and inform authorities in real time.
- Entry Regulations:
- Implement entry fees similar to Venice during peak seasons.
- Mandate prior online registration and permission for religious sites and events.
- Accountability: Make event organizers, such as godmen and celebrities, accountable for crowd safety.
- Increase Supply: Offer multiple sessions for popular events to accommodate larger crowds.
Conclusion
Improving crowd management is crucial as urbanization and prosperity levels rise, leading to larger gatherings. Tailored techniques for different events and locations are necessary to prevent stampedes and ensure safety.
