The Hathras tragedy in Uttar Pradesh and the successful handling of the much bigger crowd that turned out to congratulate the Indian cricket team in Mumbai on Thursday are the two events that need closer scrutiny to avert such tragedies in future.
Over the years, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been recommended and formulated for handling large crowds, especially during religious gatherings which occur often in one part of India or the others. However, their implementation is questionable. Committees and inquiry commissions have been appointed, their reports received, assurances are announced to execute them but nothing concrete happens till the next disaster. This has been seen in Hathras or was witnessed in Navi Mumbai a couple of years ago. What is the way ahead then?
Briefly, it may be noted that some of those present at Hathras told media that not more than 40 police personnel were seen by them to have been deployed. If this is a fact, the district authorities will have to explain how such a small number of law enforcers was expected to handle a crowd exceeding 1.5 lakh devotees. Was there no concern to look after the safety of those gathered at this venue, close to a national highway? According to some eyewitness versions, no designated routes were drawn, neither was any attention provided to the entry and exit arrangements.
There are myriad guidelines, which demand among other things that for such a massive gathering, determining the entry and exit point routes should be the primary concern of the organisers and the police. Also, there are invariably medical emergencies and well equipped hospital teams must be present at strategic locations. In the case of Hathras, the woes of the devotees were compounded by the hot and humid weather as well as absence of drinking water supply, neither for food. The FIR filed by the police has alleged that the organisers had concealed the actual expected number of devotees likely to turn out for the satsang when they had applied for police clearance. More seriously, there was no help for traffic management from them and also even after the stampede, there were attempts to cover the evidence. The organisers allegedly tried to destroy vital items of evidence like the clothes and footwear of the deceased, the FIR has stated.
More and more lapses came out in the open in two days following the tragedy. Luckily for all concerned, although the path made for the Godman’s car to pass through was not designated and barricaded, nothing untoward happened. But it was too small a relief as VVIP arrangements were made for Suraj Pal Singh aka Bhole Baba. Pictures of the dais and posh toilet specially constructed for the exclusive use of Suraj have gone viral. Many questions have arisen but there are hardly any answers.
In a country of 140 crore, faith is a major fact of life. Almost every day, religious or political events happen in one corner of India or the others. They include religious rites, entertainment events, musical concerts, election campaign meetings, festivals and sports tournaments. Therefore, crowd management on a scientific basis has become very important. Sadly, there is no mass training about observing discipline. Experts have advised the government time and again that lay Indians required to be taught of a collective approach to crowd management so that they cooperate with the law enforcement machinery and became partners in public safety. As this aspect of our national life is ignored, a large number of people lose their lives in one stampede or another, in overcrowded popular locations or at dangerous places.
Crowd management does not happen in isolation. Crowds need to be equipped with information and its dissemination. They need to be told that uncontrolled gatherings may turn fatal. Technology can become a sensitive element of this management. As almost every individual has a mobile phone, those arriving for an important event or those on the way can be cautioned about possibilities like an impending storm, flood or landslide. Such application of technology can make the job of security personnel more effective and can enable them to control the situation before it goes out of hand.
Coming back to Mumbai’s tumultuous welcome to the victorious cricket team. From the moment it arrived at the airport till its felicitation at Wankhede Stadium, every moment was surcharged. It was repeated endlessly by news channels that more than three lakh fans had thronged the venue and the route the India Eleven was to take. It goes to the credit of average Mumbaikar that the job of the police was not made more difficult than it obviously was. The difference between Hathras and Mumbai was highlighted throughout the hours that were electrified with the welcome spirit.
One important difference between the Mumbai crowds and those elsewhere, especially in rural or semi-urban areas, is that the person living and commuting in Mumbai is used to navigate his way through dense crowds. Some discipline is ingrained into the Mumbaikar. On the other hand, those living in small places lack this experience. They are easily scared and start running helter skelter. Once a crowd is unruly, it is very difficult to control it. The dictum that “an individual thinks but a crowd does not” is the golden rule in crowd management. Thanks to the news channels, the fans were constantly reminded about the discipline. The authorities, too, had made preparations to assist those needing urgent medical attention. Although the police and the state government have heaved a sigh of relief, the lessons to be learnt from Hathras and other tragedies can’t be ignored.
India is emerging as a major player in Artificial Intelligence development. India’s children are making a name in international arena with their knowledge and devotion. Hence, it should not become too difficult for Indian brains to devise new technology and strategy to manage huge crowds. Indian experts around the world have developed low-cost but high-effect software solutions. Many of them are in use in Mumbai and Maharashtra. Taking a cue from the organisers of global events like Olympics, Indian techies can create crowd management SOPs in the near future.
This is a good opportunity to reorient India’s crowd management strategies. Experienced in handling major public celebrations like the Ganesh Festival, Mumbai police can perform a pivotal role in this exercise. Developing a systematic crowd management technique will empower India to take a quantum jump leap in event management planning as well. Since Indians have an inborn capability to live amongst crowds, big or small, there technical skills can create wonders in this sector as well.
A Column By
Dilip Chaware – Senior Editor
A media professional for 43 years, with extensive experience of writing on
a variety of subjects; he is also a documentary producer and book author.
