Introduction
On a fateful day 2nd July of 2024, a large crowd had gathered for a religious event in Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh where a tragic incident occurred in a stampede situation that claimed the lives of 131 people. This incident not only resulted in immense loss of life but also raised significant questions about governance, safety protocols, and the role of authorities in preventing such tragedies. The reports indicate that overcrowding and poor crowd management led to a stampede, resulting in the deaths of 131 individuals, with many more injured. The aftermath of the stampede left families devastated, communities in mourning, and the nation grappling with the preventable loss of lives.
In India, regulations regarding crowds and gatherings are governed primarily under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and specific guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) or State Governments as per the situation. At the same time, India’s laws regarding gatherings are also primarily governed by the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The section 144 of the Cr. PC empowers a District Magistrate, a Sub-divisional Magistrate, or any other Executive Magistrate specially empowered by the State Government in this behalf to issue orders to prevent any disturbance of public tranquility or a riot, or to prevent any danger to human life, health or safety, or a likelihood of such disturbance or danger. The Hathras stampede of 2024 serves as a tragic reminder of the critical importance of governance in safeguarding public safety and preventing avoidable loss of lives as several guidelines were not followed by the local administration. There may be various situation or other factors, gatherings may be prohibited or restricted in terms of size, location, and purpose. Organizers may be required to obtain permissions from local authorities informing the actual strength of gathering or follow specific protocols for organizing events or gatherings. On the other hand, guidelines typically mandate maintaining social distancing, wearing masks, and providing sanitization facilities to prevent the spread of diseases is also mandatory if Covid 19 protocol is followed. At the same time, violation of these guidelines can lead to fines or other penalties under relevant laws. The Hathras stampede of 2024 was a tragic incident that highlighted several failures in local government and administration, leading to a significant loss of lives. Here are some key aspects that contributed to the failure:
- Crowd Management: One of the primary responsibilities of local government during such events is crowd management. Reports indicated that there was a lack of adequate crowd control measures, leading to overcrowding and chaos.
- Infrastructure and Planning: The event reportedly took place in a narrow lane with inadequate infrastructure to handle a large gathering. The lack of proper planning and infrastructure, such as sufficient exits and pathways, exacerbated the stampede.
- Communication and Coordination: Effective communication and coordination among local authorities, event organizers, and emergency responders are crucial during such events. Reports suggested that there was a failure in timely communication and coordination to manage the situation effectively.
- Safety and Security: Ensuring the safety and security of attendees is paramount. Reports indicated lapses in security arrangements and the deployment of personnel to manage the crowd and prevent stampedes.
- Emergency Response: Prompt and effective emergency response is critical in mitigating casualties during stampedes. Delays in medical assistance and rescue operations were reported, which may have contributed to the severity of the incident.
- Accountability and Oversight: Following the incident, there were calls for accountability and inquiries into the lapses that led to the stampede. Questions were raised about the oversight and regulatory enforcement by local authorities.
Issues associated with Governance level while dealing a huge gathering in India:
Religious gatherings in India, like in many parts of the world, evoke a complex interplay of cultural, social, and spiritual dimensions that are deeply ingrained in society. Here are some critical thoughts on religious gatherings in India:
Cultural Significance: Religious gatherings often hold immense cultural significance, serving as occasions for communal worship, spiritual renewal, and the reaffirmation of cultural identity. They contribute to the rich tapestry of India’s cultural heritage and provide a sense of continuity and tradition. India being a diverse country and rice in cultural heritage could not deny the permission for organizing a huge gathering, although, there must be proper planning and execution of all safety protocols.
Logistical Challenges: Managing large-scale gatherings poses significant logistical challenges, including crowd control, infrastructure management, and ensuring safety and security. Incidents like stampedes and overcrowding highlight the risks associated with inadequate planning and infrastructure.
Social Cohesion vs. Division: While religious gatherings can foster social cohesion and solidarity among participants, they can also exacerbate social divisions based on religious identities. Issues of inclusivity, accessibility, and the treatment of minorities often come to the forefront during such events.
Environmental Impact: Massive gatherings can have significant environmental impacts, such as pollution of water bodies, waste generation, and strain on local ecosystems. Balancing the cultural importance of these events with environmental sustainability is increasingly becoming a point of contention.
Government and Policy Role: The role of government and policymakers is crucial in ensuring the smooth conduct of religious gatherings while safeguarding public safety and upholding constitutional principles of secularism and religious freedom. Regulations and guidelines often evolve in response to past incidents and changing societal norms.
Modernization and Tradition: There is an ongoing debate between preserving traditional practices associated with religious gatherings and embracing modernization in terms of safety standards, infrastructure development, and inclusivity.
Overall, the Hathras stampede of 2024 underscored the importance of robust planning, adequate infrastructure, effective crowd management, and swift emergency response in ensuring the safety of attendees during large gatherings. It also highlighted the need for accountability and improvements in local government administration to prevent such tragedies in the future. It underscores the need for robust regulatory frameworks, effective emergency response systems, and accountable leadership to ensure that such incidents do not recur. There is a collective call for proactive measures, reforms, and investments in safety and infrastructure to protect citizens during public events.
In conclusion, while the Hathras stampede highlighted governance shortcomings, it also galvanized efforts towards systemic improvements and a renewed commitment to ensuring public safety across India.
Dr Ahmed Raza is an Assistant Professor, Project Director (MRP-ICSSR) political commentator,’author and columnist on various news paper like EPW, Outlook Mainstream, Sikkim Express, Kashmir Times, Countercurrents, etc.
