India has witnessed a series of unfortunate stampede incidents at temples, bringing the focus to crowd management and safety measures at religious gatherings. On Thursday, over ten devotees were injured at the annual darshan of the Deviramma temple in Mallenahalli, Chikkamagaluru. The temple, which opens only once a year, attracts thousands of devotees who undertake a difficult barefoot trek on steep and rugged terrain through a forested path to reach the shrine. The trek led to several devotees slippings from the slope and resulted in injuries and a stampede-like situation. Fire and police personnel carried the devotees on stretchers to transport them about five kilometers downhill and then to Mallegowda Government Hospital.
Past Temple Stampede Incidents in India
- Mandhardevi Temple, Maharashtra (2005):
Over 340 devotees lost their lives during a major stampede at the annual festival.
- Chamunda Devi Temple, Rajasthan (2008):
A stampede claimed the lives of at least 250 devotees.
- Naina Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh (2008):
A gathering at this popular temple led to a stampede that caused 162 fatalities.
- Hathras, Uttar Pradesh (2023):
A large congregation led by 'Bhole Baba,' led to a stampede. The tragic incident resulted in over 120 fatalities
- Siddheshwarnath Temple, Jehanabad, Bihar (2024):
Seven devotees, including three women, lost their lives, and 35 others were injured.
Ensuring Safety at Mass Gatherings
- Control Crowd Flow
Designated entry and exit points help maintain smooth crowd movement and prevent bottlenecks.
- Monitor Attendance to Prevent Overcrowding
Keeping the crowd within safe limits is essential, as overcrowding is a primary cause of stampedes. Pre-event ticketing and monitoring systems can help control attendee numbers.
- Clear Communication
Public announcements can help in reducing confusion in crowded spaces. Communication systems can ensure rapid information flow during emergencies.
- Emergency Preparedness
Detailed emergency plans should include marked evacuation routes and readily accessible first aid stations.
Ensuring safety at mass gatherings particularly at religious sites, requires a proactive approach that prioritizes crowd management, clear communication, and emergency preparedness. With thoughtful planning organizers can create a secure environment where attendees feel comfortable and protected. Collaborating with local authorities and community stakeholders may enhance these efforts to managing large gatherings. As these events often hold cultural and spiritual significance, fostering safety becomes vital to prevent tragic incidents.
Inputs by Agencies
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