Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Briefly introduce the concept of a stampede, emphasizing its significance as a safety and crowd management issue.
- Mention that stampedes are recurring in India, especially during large public gatherings, leading to injuries and fatalities.
2. Causes of Frequent Stampedes
- Structural Factors:
- Explain how poorly designed or temporary structures such as barricades, makeshift bridges, and narrow exits lead to fatal stampedes when overcrowded.
- Example: In 2013, a stampede occurred near Ratangarh Mata Temple in Madhya Pradesh due to the collapse of a bridge, resulting in several deaths.
- Fire Hazards:
- Highlight the role of fire hazards like short circuits and electrical failures that cause panic and lead to mass movement.
- Example: In the Dabwali fire incident (1995) in Haryana, 446 people died due to a fire-induced stampede.
- Excessive Crowd:
- Point out the issue of crowd surges during religious, political, or cultural gatherings, where crowd management often fails.
- Example: 79% of stampedes in India from 1954-2012 were linked to religious mass gatherings.
- Lack of Coordination:
- Discuss how inadequate coordination between various agencies (police, fire services, administration) worsens the situation.
- Example: Coordination failures during mass gatherings exacerbate stampedes, particularly in cases with multiple stakeholders.
3. Measures to Prevent Stampedes
- Better Design of Public Spaces:
- Suggest redesigning spaces to include wide exits, clear demarcation of crowd flow, fire extinguishing systems, and segregation of different crowd sections to avoid congestion.
- Live Crowd Surveillance:
- Propose the use of technology like AI-powered surveillance systems and drones for real-time crowd monitoring to detect pressure build-up.
- Example: In 2024, Odisha Police employed AI-based CCTV cameras and drones to manage crowd density during the Jagannath Rath Yatra.
- Improved Communication and Coordination:
- Recommend establishing a robust communication system and clear allocation of responsibilities between police, administration, and emergency services to prevent mismanagement during emergencies.
4. Conclusion
- Reiterate the importance of a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach that combines structural improvements, technological intervention, and better coordination.
- Emphasize that addressing these issues will help reduce the frequency of stampedes and ensure public safety.
Relevant Facts to Use in the Answer
- Ratangarh Mata Temple Stampede (2013): A stampede at a collapsing bridge near the temple in Madhya Pradesh led to several deaths due to structural failures.
- Dabwali Fire Incident (1995): A fire-induced stampede at a religious gathering in Dabwali, Haryana, resulted in 446 deaths due to fire hazards.
- Religious Mass Gatherings: A study found that 79% of stampedes in India from 1954-2012 occurred during religious mass gatherings.
- Odisha Police Surveillance (2024): Odisha Police successfully used AI-based CCTV cameras and drones to monitor crowds during the Jagannath Rath Yatra, significantly improving crowd management and reducing stampede risks.
Model Answer
Introduction
Stampedes are tragic incidents resulting from a sudden, uncontrollable movement of people, often causing injuries or fatalities. The frequent occurrences of stampedes at public places in India can be attributed to several causes:
1. Structural Factors:
Temporary structures, such as barricades or makeshift bridges, often collapse under the pressure of large crowds. A prime example is the 2013 stampede near Ratangarh Mata Temple in Madhya Pradesh, where a collapsing bridge caused several deaths.
2. Fire Hazards:
Fires caused by short circuits or electricity failure create panic among large crowds, leading to a stampede. The Dabwali fire incident in Haryana (1995) serves as a tragic example, where 446 people lost their lives due to a fire-induced stampede.
3. Excessive Crowd:
Mass gatherings, particularly at religious events or political rallies, are a significant cause of stampedes. According to a study, 79% of stampedes in India between 1954 and 2012 occurred during religious mass gatherings, where crowd management becomes a significant challenge.
4. Lack of Coordination:
Inadequate coordination between different agencies, such as the police, administration, and fire services, exacerbates the risk of stampedes. This lack of coordination can result in delayed responses to crowd surges or emergency situations.
Measures to Prevent Stampedes
1. Better Design of Spaces for Mass Gatherings:
Designing spaces with multiple wide exits, fire safety systems, adequate ventilation, and crowd segregation can significantly reduce the risk of stampedes.
2. Live Crowd Surveillance:
Real-time monitoring of crowds using advanced technology, such as AI-based CCTV coverage and drones, can help detect pressure build-up and potential hazards. For example, during the 2024 Jagannath Rath Yatra, Odisha Police used AI-based surveillance to manage crowd density effectively.
3. Improved Communication and Coordination:
Establishing a clear communication system and allocating responsibilities among all agencies involved in crowd management can help prevent panic and ensure swift action during emergencies.
Conclusion
Preventing stampedes requires a multi-disciplinary approach, including better planning, design, and technological solutions. By addressing structural, coordination, and crowd-related issues, India can minimize the occurrence of these tragic events.