Hathras Stampede: Causes and Prevention
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: Disaster Management
- •Source: IE*
Context: The Hathras stampede, which tragically claimed over 100 lives, highlights the multifaceted causes and necessary prevention measures for such disasters.
What is a Stampede?
A stampede is a sudden, impulsive mass movement resulting in injuries and deaths due to overcrowding, panic, or perceived danger. According to the National Crime Records Bureau figures, from 2000 to 2013, almost 2,000 people died in stampedes in India.
Key Factors Behind Stampedes:
• Causes of Death: Primarily traumatic asphyxia, heart attacks, crushing injuries, and head or neck injuries.
• Psychological Triggers: Panic and the breakdown of cooperative behaviour; crowd members pushing to avoid danger or achieve gratification.
• Physical Factors: Poor design, blocked exits, lack of lighting, and high crowd density increase the risk.
Causes:
Stampedes in India are primarily caused by structural failures, such as collapsing makeshift bridges and narrow streets with few exits, as well as fire and electrical issues, like unauthorized fireworks and faulty equipment. Crowd behaviour also contributes significantly, with panic triggered by rumours or competition, as seen in the Hathras Stampede. Security issues, including under-deployment of staff and lack of surveillance, exacerbate the problem. Additionally, poor coordination among agencies and inadequate infrastructure and resources hinder effective crowd management.
Notable Stampedes:
• Moscow (1896): Over 1,000 deaths due to a rumour-driven surge.
• Allahabad (1954): Around 800 deaths at Kumbh Mela from poor planning and crowd control.
• Lima (1963): 326 deaths during a football match due to panic from tear gas.
• Wai (2005): Over 340 deaths at a temple due to slippery steps.
• Mina (2015): Estimates range from 769 to over 2,000 deaths during Hajj pilgrimage from intersecting crowds.
• Mata Vaishnav Devi Shrine (2022): The Stampede at the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine resulted in the death of 22 people and injured 32.
NDMA Guidelines for Crowd Management:
• Understanding venue, visitors, and stakeholders: Event type (religious, educational, sports, music, political) Expected crowd demographics (age, gender, economic status) Crowd motives (social, academic, religious, entertainment) Venue details (location, terrain, open/closed space) Other stakeholders (NGOs, local community, administrators)
• Event type (religious, educational, sports, music, political)
• Expected crowd demographics (age, gender, economic status)
• Crowd motives (social, academic, religious, entertainment)
• Venue details (location, terrain, open/closed space)
• Other stakeholders (NGOs, local community, administrators)
• Crowd Handling: Traffic regulation around venues Clear route and emergency exit maps Barricades for crowd control Queue management with snake line approach VIP visitor management and discouraging general admissions
• Traffic regulation around venues
• Clear route and emergency exit maps
• Barricades for crowd control
• Queue management with snake line approach
• VIP visitor management and discouraging general admissions
• Safety and Security: Authorized use of electricity and fire safety measures CCTV surveillance and use of mini UAVs for large crowds
• Authorized use of electricity and fire safety measures
• CCTV surveillance and use of mini UAVs for large crowds
• Communication: Public address system for crowd communication
• Medical and Emergency Care: First-aid rooms and emergency operations centres
• Role of Event Managers: Developing, implementing, and reviewing disaster management plans
• Role of Civil Society: Involvement of NGOs in traffic control, medical aid, and disaster response
• Role of Police: Venue assessment, crowd guidance, and traffic management
• Role of Media: Educational role in disaster awareness; Critical role in evaluating disaster plans
• Capacity Building: Training and assessment of security personnel and police
Use of ICT in crowd management:
Conclusion:
Moving forward, India must enact comprehensive legislation addressing tortuous liability, following the Supreme Court’s observations after the Uphaar Cinema Tragedy. Emphasis should be placed on specialized training, effective communication, and stringent safety measures to maintain professionalism in managing large events.
Insta Links:
• Crowd management in temples
Mains Links:
Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. (UPSC 2020)