The pressing need is to transition from reactive to proactive approaches. Authorities must emphasise thorough planning, enforce strict safety protocols, and invest in infrastructure that can manage large crowds effectively (blurb)
The unfortunate stampede in Puri on Sunday, which resulted in the loss of three lives and left approximately fifty others wounded highlights repeated failures in crowd management during important religious events in India. Such occurrences have repeatedly exposed systemic shortcomings, insufficient planning, and disregard for safety measures that put thousands of worshippers seeking spiritual comfort at risk.
It was reported that the use of a single corridor for both incoming and outgoing devotees led to increased congestion and heightened crowd pressure. The late arrival of Lord Jagannath’s chariot resulted in a bottleneck outside the Gundicha temple just before daybreak. There were weary pilgrims, mixed traffic flows, blocked exit access, and trucks delivering ritual supplies entering the area causing disruptions that displaced devotees and sparked panic.
Eyewitness testimonies suggest that the barricading system was inadequate, and emergency response systems, including access for ambulances, were either lacking or ineffective. The fact that injured attendees had to rely on residents and fellow devotees for assistance indicates a failure in organised rescue efforts. Family members of those who died in Puri have expressed their anger regarding the evident lack of adequate security measures. The failure to establish a systematic approach to manage the increasing number of attendees, particularly during a major event like the Rath Yatra, represents a serious oversight.
India has a historic tendency to experience similar disasters at places of worship. The 2005 Mandhardevi temple calamity, which claimed over 340 lives, along with the 2008 stampedes at Rajasthan's Chamunda Devi and Himachal Pradesh's Naina Devi temples, serve as stark reminders that these occurrences are recurring issues rather than isolated events. In May, Goa faced a nightmare with a stampede at the famous Shirgao zatra that claimed six lives while injuring several others. Ironically, the North Goa collector and North Goa Superintendent of Police were immediately transferred, but nothing happened beyond that despite the fact-finding report implicating officials. Transferring officials, suspending them or initiating an investigation do not resolve the underlying issues.
Despite previous tragedies, safety measures frequently remain reactive instead of proactive, with authorities not implementing effective crowd control strategies. Governments across States, including Goa have committed to taking action and providing compensation, but these measures mean very little if necessary changes in crowd management protocols are ignored. Long-term strategies such as enhanced infrastructure, improved barricading methods, real-time crowd surveillance, and readiness for emergencies are non-negotiable.
The Puri incident also calls for a broader examination of safety at large religious gatherings across India. These repeated incidents highlight a perilous complacency regarding safety standards, often worsened by rumours, ineffective communication, and insufficient infrastructure.
The pressing need is to transition from reactive to proactive approaches. Authorities must emphasise thorough planning, enforce strict safety protocols, and invest in infrastructure that can manage large crowds effectively. Campaigns to raise public awareness and training for volunteers should support these initiatives, ensuring that the safety of attendees remains the foremost priority.
India is known for spirituality. Religious congregations draw lakhs of people. The stampede in Puri serves as another painful reminder of failures. Systemic reforms are crucial and safety cannot be an afterthought; it must be embedded in the organisation of grand cultural and religious events. Only through responsible governance, careful planning, and a steadfast commitment to protecting human lives can we hope to avert such situations in the future.
