Mahakumbh Stampede

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance, GS3/ Disaster Management

Context

• The recent tragic stampede at the Mahakumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj which led to the loss of lives, highlighting the critical lapses in crowd management and safety measures.

What is a Stampede?

• A stampede refers to a sudden, uncontrolled movement of a large crowd, often triggered by panic, fear, or limited exit routes. 
• Stampedes typically occur in religious gatherings, sports events, concerts, and public rallies when crowd density exceeds five persons per square metre and proper crowd control measures are lacking. 

Past Incidents of Stampedes

• 2015 Rajahmundry Godavari Pushkaralu Stampede: A religious gathering led to a rush at a bathing ghat, killing 27 people.
• 2008 Chamunda Devi Temple Stampede (Jodhpur): Around 224 people lost their lives when panic spread among thousands of devotees.
• 2005 Mandhardevi Temple Stampede (Maharashtra): Over 300 pilgrims died in a tragic incident caused by overcrowding.
• 2004 Kumbh Mela Stampede (Nashik): More than 40 devotees were crushed to death due to a sudden surge in a narrow street.

Factors that causes Stampedes

• Overcrowding – Due to lack of space and poor regulation of the number of attendees.
• Panic and Fear – Sudden commotion or rumors can cause people to move uncontrollably.
• Narrow Passageways and Bottlenecks – Limited exit routes or narrow walkways can create dangerous congestion.
• Poor Crowd Control Measures – Lack of proper policing, barricades, and designated lanes.
• Lack of Emergency Response Planning – Delayed medical aid and ineffective coordination between authorities.
• Sudden Events or External Triggers – Fire, loud noises, or security threats leading to chaos.

Impacts of a Stampede

• Loss of Human Lives – Many people get trampled, leading to deaths due to asphyxiation and injuries.
• Serious Injuries – Fractures, internal bleeding, suffocation, and crush injuries.
• Psychological Trauma – Survivors and their families suffer long-term psychological distress.
• Economic Losses – Compensation to victims, loss of business, and financial burdens on healthcare facilities.
• Damage to Public Image – Questions on government and administrative efficiency arise.

Challenges in Handling Stampedes

• Unpredictability – A stampede can start in seconds with little to no warning.
• High Crowd Density – Millions of people present at a single venue make control difficult.
• Lack of Awareness – Many attendees are unaware of safe movement and emergency exits.
• Delayed Medical Response – Providing first aid and reaching injured individuals quickly is difficult.
• Coordination Between Agencies – Multiple authorities (police, fire services, medical teams) need seamless collaboration.
• Limited Resources and Infrastructure – Insufficient barricades, CCTVs, emergency exits, and trained personnel.

NDMA Guidelines for Managing Stampedes

• Prevention Measures:
  • Crowd Regulation: Strict monitoring and control of the number of attendees.
  • Designated Entry & Exit Points: Clearly marked and widely spaced routes to avoid congestion.
  • Public Awareness: Educating people on safe movement and behavior in crowded spaces.
  • Use of Technology: Surveillance cameras, drone monitoring, and real-time crowd density analysis.
  • Adequate Signage: Clear and visible signs directing people towards exits, medical help, and safe zones.
• Emergency Response:
  • First Aid and Medical Readiness: Deployment of ambulances and medical teams near key locations.
  • Training of Security Personnel: Proper crowd management training for police and event organizers.
  • Use of Public Address Systems: To provide real-time information and prevent panic.
  • Mock Drills: Regular practice sessions for emergency evacuation.
  • Coordination Mechanism: A unified command center linking all emergency response teams.

Way Forward

• To ensure the safety of millions attending events like the Mahakumbh, authorities must implement holistic and proactive measures:
  • Advanced Crowd Management Technologies: AI-based crowd monitoring and predictive analytics to identify risks in real time.
  • Smart Infrastructure Planning: Wider roads, increased exits, and better-designed pathways to accommodate large gatherings.
  • Strict Regulation of Numbers: Pre-event registration and digital tracking of attendees.
  • Increased Deployment of Trained Personnel: More security forces with specialized training in stampede prevention.
  • Public Participation and Education: Engaging attendees in drills, awareness programs, and proper conduct training.
  • Improved Coordination Between Stakeholders: Stronger communication between event organizers, law enforcement, and disaster response teams.

Source: TH