INTRODUCTION

Effective crowd management is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals at large public gatherings, such as religious events, concerts, and sporting events. Properly managing crowds involves a combination of strategic planning, real-time monitoring, and coordinated response efforts to prevent incidents like stampedes and ensure orderly movement. 

Issues

• Faith Sensitivities: Cultural sensitivities and resistance to regulation enforcement in religious matters.

• Insufficient Local Intelligence: Lack of effective local intelligence can result in inadequate preparedness for large crowds.

• Poor Police Preparedness: Without proper planning and resources, police forces can struggle to manage large gatherings effectively.

• Example: The Indian cricket team's victory parade at Marine Drive resulted in chaos, with fans dancing on cars, damaging public property, causing traffic jams, while police struggled to manage the situation.

• Failure to Anticipate Crowd Size: Underestimating the potential size of a crowd can lead to inadequate infrastructure and safety measures.

• Lack of Comprehensive Planning: Absence of detailed, scenario-based planning for crowd management can result in chaos and insufficient emergency response.

• Example: The stampede-like situation during the Rath Yatra in Puri on July 7, resulting in one death and hundreds of injuries, was caused by poor crowd control, mismanagement of cordons, and overcrowding despite security protocols in place.

• Inadequate Infrastructure: Insufficient facilities such as entry/exit points, medical aid stations, and sanitation can exacerbate crowd-related issues.

• Poor Communication Channels: Lack of clear communication between organisers, authorities, and attendees can lead to confusion and panic.

• Insufficient Training: Inadequate training for personnel involved in crowd management can lead to poor decision-making and crisis handling.

• Inadequate Resource Allocation: Failure to allocate necessary resources, such as barriers, surveillance, and crowd control personnel, can hinder effective crowd management.

• Neglect of Emergency Protocols: Ignoring or not establishing emergency protocols can result in delayed responses and increased risks during critical situations.

Guidelines

The National Disaster Management Authority( NDMA) released a comprehensive guide in 2014 titled Managing Crowd at Events and Venues of Mass Gathering.

Objective: The publication aims to guide state governments, local agencies, event organisers, and venue administrators in effective crowd management, emphasising that disaster management for crowd incidents is primarily the responsibility of local organisers with support from state and national authorities.

• Crowd Disaster Process

• Integrated Approach for Crowd Management

• Regardless of whether a gathering is private or public, certain protocols must be adhered to:

• Mandatory Protocols: Standard operating procedures (SOPs) must not be relaxed for any reason or any person.

• Police Permission: The organiser must approach the concerned police station for permission to hold the event.

• Detailed Information:The organiser must provide a multitude of details about the event to the police.

• Police Assessment:The police evaluate the application based on their assessment, which relies on credible information or “intelligence”.

• Considerations for Approval:

• Size and Nature of the Crowd: The number of attendees and the type of event.

• Density and Capacity: The crowd density in relation to the capacity of the location.

• Escape Routes: Availability of possible escape routes in case of an emergency.

• Emergency Response Mechanism: Anticipation and planning for a response mechanism in case of an emergency.

Way Forward

• Strategic Placement: Deploy officers in key locations such as entry/exit points, high-traffic areas, and potential trouble spots to maximise coverage and effectiveness.

• Use of Technology: Implement surveillance systems, including drones, to monitor crowd movements and identify potential issues in real-time.

• Example: When Uttar Pradesh inaugurated its Integrated Command and Control Centre, it implemented AI to predict crowd density and utilised CCTVs for enhanced monitoring

• For the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj next year, the Indian Railways plans to use Artificial Intelligence to monitor and manage the crowd real-time

• Crowd Flow Analysis: Conduct thorough analysis and simulations of crowd flow to determine optimal placement and movement strategies for both attendees and security personnel.

• Communication Systems: Establish robust communication channels among security personnel, organisers, and attendees to quickly disseminate information and instructions.

• Innovation: Leveraging new technologies and data-driven solutions to address urban challenges effectively

• Example: Varanasi has initiated the Sustainable Cities Challenge, supported by the Toyota Mobility Foundation's USD 9 million fund, to seek data-driven solutions that improve safety in the city, especially for its millions of annual visitors, including older people and PwD.

• Training and Drills: Provide specialised training and conduct regular drills for officers on crowd management, emergency response, and strategic positioning.

• Resource Allocation: Ensure that the available resources, such as barriers, medical aid stations, and information booths, are strategically placed to aid in crowd control and management.

• Emergency Protocols: Develop and communicate clear emergency protocols to all involved parties, including attendees, to ensure a coordinated response to any incidents.

• Real-Time Adjustments: Utilise real-time data and intelligence to make on-the-fly adjustments to officer placement and resource allocation as the event progresses.

• Community Engagement: Involve community volunteers and local stakeholders in crowd management efforts to enhance situational awareness and foster cooperative crowd behaviour.

Best Practises

• The Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia utilises advanced technologies like AI, 5G, and smart applications to manage Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, enhancing crowd control and communication

• Tirupati Balaji Temple: It  accommodates up to 400,000 devotees daily through innovative techniques, including a three-layered queue system, token distribution, and online booking for special darshan, ensuring a smooth experience

• The Tirupati Trust is assisting the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Trust and other renowned temple trusts like Shirdi Sansthan and Vaishno Devi shrine in adopting effective crowd management practices, including the successful implementation of Tirupati Model Queue system at Sabarimala Ayyappa temple in 2023.

• Kumbh Mela: It is the largest religious gathering in India held every 12 years in Prayagraj and has generally seen smooth crowd management. In 2019, a team of 10 information technology experts was employed to review the most densely populated areas at the mela.

• The upcoming Kumbh Mela in 2025 is being prepared with advanced technologies, including AI, and will deploy a significantly increased police force of 60,000 to 80,000 officials.

  
  

  Short Takes

  National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): Led by the Prime Minister of India, it is the apex body for disaster management, established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. NDMA's role includes formulating policies, plans, and guidelines to foster a culture of prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and response.

CONCLUSION

The importance of crowd management cannot be overstated, as failure to adequately control large groups can lead to chaos.Comprehensive disaster management strategies are essential to mitigate risks, prevent accidents, and ensure the safety of all particip

Tags:
Polity

Keywords:
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Crowd Management