Pilgrims heading towards the Ratangarh temple through the Sind River bridge where a stamede took place, in Datia district of Madhya Pradesh.
New Delhi:
A study commissioned by the National Disaster Management Authority on crowd management at places of mass gathering has suggested generic safety, security and fire guidelines to avoid stampede and human casualties.
The study, conducted by Indian Institute of Management- Ahmedabad (IIMA), suggested various solutions for managing crowds in mass gatherings including deployment of snake line approach, discourage general admission, have alternative routes for releasing excessive crowd pressure and formulate plans to take care of VIP visitors.
It said the authorities should not hesitate to refuse entry to VIPs if assessment indicates that it will add to safety concerns and ensure emergency exits are not barricaded, blocked or are otherwise inaccessible.
The study said that generators, distribution boxes, circuit breakers should be kept in isolated places away from the mischievous crowd elements, and there should be adequate fencing and security, if required, and electrical appliances should have protection from the weather too.
There should be safe and clearly labelled storage of fuel (e.g. diesel to be used by generators) and attempts should be made to minimise tripping hazards (electrical cables, wires) coming in the way of crowd movements and ensure that these are covered and there is sufficient number of fire extinguishers at critical control points.
The study said security agencies play very important role in crowd management and have to interact with various other stake holders before finalising plans.
Some guiding principles for security agencies are working closely with event organisers in pre-planning, assisting in managing crowd situations through established, continuous communication, identify and making contact with the organisers and various stakeholders.
Besides, the security agencies should visit venue to understand access routes, holding area and communication issues.
It suggested that roadblocks and fencing may be deployed in target areas as deemed fit and these can be deployed to control the flow of pedestrians, hostile groups, and vehicles.
The study said although it is a common knowledge that immediate medical attention after a fatal incident can save lives, probably there is no official requirement or standard at present for first aid rooms and on-duty medical personnel at places of mass gatherings.
Medical preparedness is one of the weakest links in crowd disaster management and special attention should be given on it.
Consideration of available transport facilities, parking and traffic flow are very important in event site selection, crowd control, and also in emergency evacuation. The guiding principles in transportation and traffic management are to use public transport as much as possible, to minimise the impact of undesirable crowd and traffic, the study said.
The study, conducted by Indian Institute of Management- Ahmedabad (IIMA), suggested various solutions for managing crowds in mass gatherings including deployment of snake line approach, discourage general admission, have alternative routes for releasing excessive crowd pressure and formulate plans to take care of VIP visitors.
It said the authorities should not hesitate to refuse entry to VIPs if assessment indicates that it will add to safety concerns and ensure emergency exits are not barricaded, blocked or are otherwise inaccessible.
The study said that generators, distribution boxes, circuit breakers should be kept in isolated places away from the mischievous crowd elements, and there should be adequate fencing and security, if required, and electrical appliances should have protection from the weather too.
There should be safe and clearly labelled storage of fuel (e.g. diesel to be used by generators) and attempts should be made to minimise tripping hazards (electrical cables, wires) coming in the way of crowd movements and ensure that these are covered and there is sufficient number of fire extinguishers at critical control points.
The study said security agencies play very important role in crowd management and have to interact with various other stake holders before finalising plans.
Some guiding principles for security agencies are working closely with event organisers in pre-planning, assisting in managing crowd situations through established, continuous communication, identify and making contact with the organisers and various stakeholders.
Besides, the security agencies should visit venue to understand access routes, holding area and communication issues.
It suggested that roadblocks and fencing may be deployed in target areas as deemed fit and these can be deployed to control the flow of pedestrians, hostile groups, and vehicles.
The study said although it is a common knowledge that immediate medical attention after a fatal incident can save lives, probably there is no official requirement or standard at present for first aid rooms and on-duty medical personnel at places of mass gatherings.
Medical preparedness is one of the weakest links in crowd disaster management and special attention should be given on it.
Consideration of available transport facilities, parking and traffic flow are very important in event site selection, crowd control, and also in emergency evacuation. The guiding principles in transportation and traffic management are to use public transport as much as possible, to minimise the impact of undesirable crowd and traffic, the study said.
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