U.P. Hathras Stampede
- A stampede at a religious gathering in Hathras has resulted in over 100 fatalities. Previous incidents include the Kalkaji temple platform collapse and the Vaishno Devi temple stampede in 2022.
What is a Stampede?
- Stampedes are disruptions in crowd movement leading to injuries and deaths. Contributing factors include poor event management, overcrowding, or natural disasters like sudden heavy rain, floods, or earthquakes.
Preventive Measures:
- Proper risk analysis and capacity planning should consider the event's frequency, weather, and terrain. Safety protocols must include multiple entry and exit points, emergency medical personnel, first aid kits, and ambulances.
NDMA Guidelines on Crowd Management:
- The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued guidelines to prevent and mitigate risks at mass gatherings.
Key Guidelines:
- Risk Assessment and Planning: Develop a crowd management plan outlining roles, communication protocols, and emergency response procedures.
- Infrastructure and Facilities: Ensure adequate space, entry/exit points, signage, lighting, and sanitation.
- Crowd Flow Management: Use technology like CCTV and drones to monitor crowd movement and identify risks, with trained personnel to assist the crowd.
- Emergency Response: Prepare for emergencies like stampedes, fires, medical issues, or terrorist attacks, ensuring medical facilities and trained personnel are available.
- Training and Awareness: Train organizers, security personnel, and volunteers on crowd management and emergency procedures.
- Use of Technologies: Utilize AI and data analytics for crowd prediction and behavior analysis.
Prelims Takeaway
- NDMA Guidelines