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An avoidable tragedy: On the Pushpa 2 stampede
  • The Hindu
  • |
  • Environment
  • |
  • 2024-12-27
  • Stampede
  • Crowd Management

India records the highest number of stampedes globally, with 3,935 incidents and over 3,000 deaths from 1996 to 2022. These often occur at religious festivals, political rallies, and celebrity events, highlighting a chronic failure in crowd safety management.

Stampedes in India: An Urgent Safety Concern

India experiences a high incidence of stampedes, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities, especially during religious festivals, political rallies, and celebrity events.

Statistics and Incidents

  • Data from 1996 to 2022:
    • 3,935 stampede incidents recorded.
    • Over 3,000 deaths reported.
  • Religious Gatherings:
    • 2011 Sabarimala tragedy: 106 deaths on a narrow pathway.
    • 2013 Kumbh Mela in Allahabad: 36 fatalities at a railway station due to overcrowding.
  • Political Rallies:
    • 2014 Gandhi Maidan, Patna: Over 30 people killed in a stampede.
  • Celebrity Appearances:
    • Hyderabad, film Pushpa 2 event: Stampede during Telugu actor Allu Arjun's appearance.

Issues and Responsibilities

  • Negligence and Mismanagement:
    • Recurring pattern of inadequate planning and crowd control.
    • Confusion over the roles and responsibilities of police and event organizers.

Recommendations for Improved Safety

  • Prioritize Crowd Safety:
    • Consider spatial and thermal comfort in event planning.
    • Ensure adequate hydration facilities are available.
  • Infrastructure and Emergency Preparedness:
    • Multiple, clearly designated entry and exit points.
    • Deployment of medical aid and trained personnel.
    • Effective chaos management protocols.

Ensuring public safety during large gatherings is crucial, encompassing religious, political, and entertainment events, to prevent tragedies and protect citizens.

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