Kolkata Tragedy: The Scourge Of Stampedes
The deadly stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata that killed at least 19 people, most of them women and children, and injured many, has marred one of the most colourful festivals in the country. It is a sobering reminder to the West Bengal government that it must turn its attention to administering a populous state without the distractions of everyday political one-upmanship. There can be no…
A tragic stampede during a Durga Puja event in Kolkata claimed at least 19 lives, most of them women and children, while leaving many others injured. This devastating incident has cast a dark shadow over one of the most vibrant festivals in India. It serves as a grim reminder to the West Bengal government that it must prioritize managing a populous state without getting bogged down by political rivalries.
The state administration should have ensured a smooth and orderly celebration by adhering to the protocols for crowd management set by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in 2014. Chief Minister Suvendhu Adhikari demonstrated wisdom by assigning senior police officers to oversee puja management after the horrifying stampede.
Authorities are now considering a ban on VIP entrances at such events. If sufficient action had been taken in advance, the pandal would have met the NDMA guidelines, including a structural audit, visitor number assessment, graded entry system based on carrying capacity, and effective communication to maintain order.
The NDMA protocol for state governments, local administrations, and event organizers involves crowd control through a hold system, limiting the number of people entering a venue at any given time. While these measures may appear trivial to local committees organizing pujas, state administrations must insist on their strict implementation and refrain from adopting populist ideologies.
Organizations like Tirupati Balaji temple have successfully employed crowd assessment technology and structural safety practices in their large sites that attract tens of thousands of visitors. The systems used at Kashi Vishwanath and Somnath temples serve as models for others to follow.
Panic and hysteria caused by false assurances about the pandal's stability in the rain likely triggered the panic and crowd surge that led to the tragic incident in Kolkata. The force of a crowd overwhelming a vulnerable structure was entirely preventable. Seven members of the Chorbagan puja committee have been arrested, and while this may provide some solace, it fails to establish a culture of safety.
In a similar situation at a Delhi puja location, the decision to enforce festival timing and noise pollution laws using lathi-wielding CRPF personnel resulted in an unnecessary confrontation with the organizers. Going forward, governments should demonstrate their commitment to safety by adopting scientific crowd management practices and working closely with temple and festival committees to prevent future stampedes, fires, and electrocutions.
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