​Lessons unlearned, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• A stampede at the Sheetla Mata temple in Bihar's Nalanda district resulted in 9 deaths and a dozen injuries.
• The incident occurred on the last Monday of Chaitra, with over 10,000 devotees present, far exceeding the typical few hundred.
• Police cited a lack of forewarning about the large gathering, possibly due to security arrangements for the Nalanda University convocation.
• The stampede was triggered by a death from a fall, leading to panic amidst a blocked entrance and alleged bribery for special access.

Detailed Insights:

• The incident highlights a recurring issue of poor crowd management in India, despite previous stampedes and established knowledge in other countries.
• The RCB victory celebration in Bengaluru in June 2025 serves as another example of avoidable crowd buildup leading to potential disaster.
• Crowd science and crowd management are established academic fields in developed countries, offering insights into both planned and spontaneous gatherings.
• Spontaneous gatherings, common in India due to religious events and celebrity sightings, are often driven by emotionally charged crowds influenced by digital communities.
• Effective crowd management combines quantitative techniques, such as monitoring crowd density (more than five people per square meter requires intervention), with qualitative methods.
• Qualitative methods include psychological techniques like installing mirrors to reinforce individual identity and prevent panic-stricken behavior.
• Contrary to common belief, expressive crowds at religious events are receptive to leadership and guidance, emphasizing the importance of clear communication.
• Current police training in India relies on field experience and veteran knowledge, such as using mobile loudspeakers for crowd calming and order maintenance.
• Integrating crowd control and management into academic study is crucial for widespread implementation of preventative measures across India.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Crowd Management: Strategies and techniques used to ensure the safety and order of large gatherings of people.
• Crowd Science: The study of crowd behavior, dynamics, and psychology to inform effective management strategies.
• Stampede: A sudden, uncontrolled rush of people, often resulting in injuries or fatalities due to crushing.

NDMA Crowd Management Framework