Editorial 1: Culture of risk
Context
The idea that mass gatherings can be planned casually should be abandoned.
Introduction
Recent tragedies at North Indian temples highlight a recurring pattern of poor infrastructure, panic-driven chaos, and avoidable deaths. Despite existing guidelines, authorities continue to overlook basic safety protocols at religious gatherings. These incidents remind us that mass faith events need not only devotion, but also strong planning, technology, and legal accountability to ensure public safety.
Two Tragedies, One Common Cause
- On July 27, 2025, a rumour at Mansa Devi temple, Haridwar, caused a stampede.
- 8 people died after panic spread about a broken electric wire.
- On July 28, in Barabanki’s Avsaaneshwar temple, monkeys damaged a power line.
- Panic followed, and 2 people lost their lives.
- Both cases were caused by fear of electrocution.
- Such dangers are common at temples, with loose wiring and crowded stalls.
Poor Infrastructure and Ignored Warnings
- Neither of the temples had:
- Automatic power cut-off systems
- Loudspeakers to clarify or stop rumours
- Old suggestions like underground wires and voltage checks exist, but are not followed.
- Most stampedes in India happen during religious events, not everyday city life.
- Even though rules exist (like the NDMA and state guidelines), officials often ignore them.
- For example, at Mansa Devi:
- The same stairway was used for both entry and exit.
- The alternate route was not fit for large crowds.
Need for Structural Change, Not Just Compensation
- After such events, states often offer money to victims' families, but don’t fix the real problems.
- Safety rules by NDMA are not mandatory – temples treat them as optional.
- Religious places are often exempt from regular building safety codes.
- Huge crowds are managed by volunteers or guards with little training.
- Funds meant for permanent safety work are often used for festivals instead.
What Must Be Done Now
- Every large event, religious or not, must be treated seriously and professionally.
- When crowd size goes above a set number, there should be:
- A single command team in charge
- Use of AI cameras and LiDAR to track crowd density
- Real-time alerts to control movement
- Temples and venues must:
- Display maximum capacity charts at gates
- Do quarterly safety drills and show them live
- Train all helpers and volunteers in basic crowd control and first aid
Conclusion
It is time to shift from symbolic compensation to real structural reforms. Pilgrim safety must become a non-negotiable priority, with strict laws, trained personnel, and modern technology in place. Faith must not be endangered by neglect or mismanagement. Ensuring safe spiritual experiences is not just administration’s duty—it’s a mark of respect to both devotion and human life.