CHAMUNDA DEVI STAMPEDE

First it was Naina Devi temple and now Chamunda devi stampede. Once again innocent lives have been lost. Just like that 100s of citizens lost their lives at these palces. Who do we hold responsible for this? Are we to blame the citizens who out of devotion throng these religious places in large numbers to seek blessings of the diety. Or the administration who have highly paid officials on its roll, be held guilty. As usual, some compensation amount will be declared for the dead and the injured. A commission of inquiry will be constituted to 'locate' fault if any. The news channels will keep on repeating the ghastly sight of the dead and the wailing relatives/kin. But it is time we all sit down and study the situation in right perspective.

We need to find answers for the following ' to draw a national policy on the crowd management at religious places, especially during fairs and special occasions. Draw a two or three tier system of crowd management. This is essential to ensure that if first line of action fails, then the second system automatically comes into play and like wise. Secondly ensure adequate police/paramilitary presence at these places. Take help of individual volunteers who can help/assist the law enforcing agencies. If required a small batch of devotes be allowed inside the religious place and when they come out, then the other batch be let in. Thirdly, use the Information technology tools as they are cost effective and convenient to use. Digital token system should be made mandatory for all the religious places. If this system has been a success at Tirupati then it makes sense to replicate this model across the country. This system ensured the crowd moves in an orderly fashion, all individuals are recorded and identified and unwanted elements stay away for the fear of being caught.

CCTV cameras should be installed along the length and breath of the religious site giving complete coverage to the area.  This will help in nabbing the rumor mongers or other unsocial elements who want to take the benefit of large crowds and spread terror. Forth public address system should be effectively used to inform the visitors about the position inside the place of worship and to dispel any rumors that may be circulated by mischief elements. Fifth have two way systems for all the sites. That is entry and exit should be from different sides to have good control on public. Fifth clear the surroundings of the religious places. As has been seen shops and other establishments cover the religious sites to augment their sales. These greedy people usurp the common land leaving a small track for the visitors. Governments should ban construction activity in the vicinity of religious places altogether. Let there be a national policy that clearly defines this aspect keeping in view the safety of the visitors. Lastly bring the guilty for this type of lapse(s) to book and give punishment to ensure non repetition of this type of human error. Human lives are not so cheap to be lost in this manner.Political rallies are conducted where in huge crowds are present.No untoward incident has been reported in a political rally.It means the adminstration of that place is capable of managing vast numbers.Then one fails to understand the failure of these officials in case of general public. Enough is enough.Now the governments should wake up from slumber and ensure to protect the common citizens.May there be no repition of this type of incident at any place through out the country.