by Poonam I Kaushish
Repetitive tragedies can be exhausting to address, but the recent incident at New Delhi’s railway station, which claimed 18 lives and injured many others, necessitates a serious discussion until tangible solutions emerge. Just a day earlier, Prayagraj’s railway station faced a similar crisis when an overwhelming surge of devotees led to chaos during a major religious event, echoing a past tragedy at the Maha Kumbh where 30 individuals lost their lives in a stampede as they rushed for a dip in the sacred Triveni Sangam. The aftermath was a grim tableau of grief, anger, and sorrow, an all-too-frequent occurrence during these catastrophic events.
The short memory of the public, mirrored by even shorter governmental recollection, raises poignant questions: Why did the Railways issue 2,500 tickets exceeding train capacity without considering the influx of pilgrims? Why was there a nearly 48% reduction in security personnel? Why was there confusion regarding platforms for two special Kumbh trains? The lack of accountability in administrative lapses has proven deadly. This was not mere negligence; it was a disaster masquerading as an unfortunate occurrence, swiftly downplayed by officials.
Crowd management should be a science, yet lessons from past tragedies like the Elphinstone Road station incident in 2017, which took 23 lives, and the 2010 stampede resulting in 20 deaths, seem forgotten. Historical events illustrate a troubling trend: during earlier Kumbh Mela gatherings, 37 people perished in 2013. From 1990 to 2022, stampedes due to overcrowding have claimed over 14,700 lives, many starting from an innocent stumble. A study from the International Journal of Stampede Reduction noted that religious events and pilgrimages account for nearly 80% of such incidents in India, alongside concerts and fairs.
As civilians confront this disheartening reality, political leaders engage in their customary rituals, expressing condolences and assuring assistance. The Railway Ministry and local government constantly assure the public that the situation is under control by forming committees to investigate. Meanwhile, bureaucrats discuss overcrowding and its consequences over their official lunches, their suggestions as stagnant as the issues at hand. Everyone appears satisfied that they have fulfilled their duties, leaving the phrase “kaam chalao” echoing in the air.
However, the pressing question remains: does anyone genuinely care? With the inevitability of overcrowding at religious sites, transport hubs, and the ensuing tragedies that claim lives, we must interrogate why the government reacts only post-disaster? Who is liable, and who will face consequences? It seems no one will, and the hollow gesture of merely allocating funds falls flat in the face of these tragedies.
Each disaster starkly reveals the total indifference of administrations at both the Central and State levels toward human lives, treating ordinary citizens as mere statistics to be adjusted according to political convenience. It is a testament to a selfish political and bureaucratic system devoid of effective solutions. The cycle of blame lands squarely on the government.
It is evident that our administrative frameworks have weakened significantly—not only in New Delhi but across the country. The obsession with superficial progress leads to catastrophic neglect of the socio-political landscape, evidenced by urban deterioration, rural poverty, inadequate infrastructure, unsanitary conditions, and failing drainage systems. We are at a juncture where yet another crisis looms.
“While we celebrate our political and economic freedom, unequal growth has bred a disenfranchised populace,” noted a social scientist. Tragically, apathy pervades; many Indians appear indifferent. The absence of national unity and discipline only exacerbates this continuous dysfunction, leading to the mindset of “sab chalta hai.” The question remains: who will shoulder the burden? How does one restore the essence of India’s identity?
Discussing the so-called ‘demographic dividend’ is futile if we treat individuals as expendable and prioritize collective statistics. The grandeur of leaders bathing in the Ganga at the Kumbh contrasts sharply with the neglect of the masses, calling into question the authenticity of the slogan “Sabka Saath.”
It is unacceptable for individuals to risk injury or death in such gatherings. Experience has shown that our preparations for large-scale events are appallingly inadequate. This continued failure demands a turning point—a moment for our public servants to recognize the value of each life. If that means limiting attendance sizes until appropriate infrastructure and management systems are established, it should be done.
Our governance must account for ground realities and actively include experts in evaluating issues and informing policies. Particular attention should be paid to the repercussions of a growing population on local ecosystems, erratic urban planning, and deteriorating sanitation. Administrators must move beyond mere enforcement and instead focus on coordinated and scientifically grounded crowd management strategies, factoring in crowd estimates and logistical arrangements. The National Disaster Management Authority has developed comprehensive guidelines for crowd control; however, action on the ground often fails to materialize in time to ensure safety.
The urgency for effective action cannot be overstated. Mere discussions and blueprints will yield no results unless the government actively implements them. Even as Prime Minister Modi drives forward ambitious initiatives to transform India into a developed nation, the immediate need is to address the overcrowding issues plaguing our cities.
The situation is clear. Political leaders must prioritize long-term solutions over quick fixes. It is not about sentimentality but recognizing practicalities. Without decisive action on crowd management, the promise of further tragedies looms, paving the way for more heart-wrenching news and sorrowful cries. Life is more than mere numbers; it involves real lives, each with a beating heart that deserves care. Can we simply allow them to suffer?
Remember Aldous Huxley’s words: “Men do not learn from lessons of history, which is the most important of all lessons of history.” If we fail to heed this, history will inevitably repeat itself as farce! — INFA
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