by Shaimin Raja
India’s rich tapestry of cultural and religious diversity is both a source of national pride and a complex challenge, particularly when it comes to managing massive gatherings. Religious events, which draw millions of devotees, have frequently turned tragic due to inadequate crowd control measures and poor infrastructure. The recurring stampedes at these events highlight a glaring issue: India’s systemic failure to ensure the safety of its citizens during mass gatherings. Despite numerous incidents and inquiries, effective solutions remain elusive, pointing to significant governmental responsibility.
The Tragedy at Hathras: A Grim Reminder
The recent stampede at a satsang in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, which resulted in over 120 deaths, is not an isolated incident. Organized by godman Narayan Sakaar Hari, known as Bhole Baba, the event in Phulhari village ended in chaos and tragedy. The state government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has formed a three-member commission to investigate the incident, suspecting even a potential conspiracy. However, this incident is part of a broader pattern of deadly stampedes at religious gatherings in Uttar Pradesh, underscoring the persistent failure to learn from past mistakes.
Historical Precedents: A Pattern of Negligence
Several past incidents illustrate the chronic nature of this problem. In 2013, a stampede at the Prayagraj railway station during the Kumbh Mela led to the deaths of over 40 people. The stampede was triggered by a last-minute change in the train platform, causing panic among the crowd. Despite a judicial inquiry and a scathing report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) highlighting incomplete construction works and poor planning, no substantial measures were taken to prevent future occurrences.
Similarly, the 2016 Varanasi stampede saw 25 people lose their lives on the overcrowded Rajghat Ganga Bridge. Followers of the Jai Gurudev cult were on their way to a spiritual camp when the incident occurred. Despite an inquiry and recommendations, no action was taken against the prime accused, Pankaj Maharaj, who had misled the authorities about the expected crowd size. The lack of accountability and enforcement of recommendations has perpetuated a cycle of negligence and repeated tragedies.
The 2010 Pratapgarh Stampede: Lessons Unlearned
Another tragic incident occurred in 2010 at the Ram Janki Temple in Pratapgarh, where 63 people died when an under-construction gate collapsed, causing panic among the gathered devotees. The preliminary inquiry blamed the management and organizers for the poor arrangements and faulty construction. Despite registering a criminal case against the ashram’s management, no one was held accountable. This incident, like many others, reveals a pattern of inadequate preparation and lack of accountability.
The Broader Picture: India as a Hotspot for Crowd Accidents
Studies have consistently highlighted India as a hotspot for crowd accidents, particularly at religious gatherings. A 2013 study published in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction noted that 79% of stampedes in India occurred during religious events. These gatherings often take place in rural areas, where inadequate infrastructure and poor planning exacerbate the risks. Another study in Safety Science in 2023 found that nearly 70% of crowd accidents in India between 2000 and 2019 were related to religious events, further underscoring the urgent need for better management strategies.
Government Responsibility and Inaction
The recurrence of stampedes and the lack of significant preventative measures point to a systemic failure at the governmental level. Despite forming commissions and conducting inquiries, the recommendations are rarely implemented effectively. The judicial probes often end with reports that gather dust, and the government’s inaction perpetuates the cycle of negligence and tragedy. The failure to hold individuals and organizations accountable for mismanagement at these events further aggravates the issue.
The Way Forward: Urgent Reforms Needed
Addressing the issue requires a multi-faceted approach involving better planning, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and greater accountability. The government must ensure that infrastructure at these venues is capable of handling large crowds. This includes constructing robust facilities, implementing scientific crowd management techniques, and ensuring real-time communication systems to manage and disperse crowds effectively. Moreover, there must be a zero-tolerance policy towards negligence. Individuals and organizations responsible for mismanagement should face stringent penalties to deter future violations. The government should also invest in training and deploying specialized crowd management personnel at large gatherings.
Conclusion
India’s inability to manage religious crowds effectively has resulted in countless avoidable deaths. The recurring tragedies at religious gatherings underscore a critical need for systemic reforms. The government’s responsibility in ensuring the safety of its citizens cannot be overstated. It is imperative that the authorities move beyond inquiries and reports and take concrete steps to prevent future tragedies. Only through dedicated effort and stringent measures can India hope to safeguard its citizens during these significant cultural and religious events.