Disasters and Disaster Management – Sendai Framework, Floods, Cyclones, etc.

The science is clear, crowd disasters are preventable

Explained | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Disaster Management
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Mains level: Crowd Management;

Why in the News?

This week in India, a tragic crowd crush at the Maha Kumbh claimed the lives of 30 people.

What scientific evidence supports the prevention of crowd disasters?

  • Crowd Density Studies: Research indicates that crowd crushes become dangerous at densities of five persons per square meter, with serious risks emerging at seven persons per square meter or more. This evidence underscores the need for effective crowd management to prevent dangerous overcrowding.
  • Predictability of Crowd Behavior: Scientific studies have shown that crowd dynamics can be predicted and managed. By understanding how crowds behave in different environments, planners can implement strategies to avoid conditions that lead to crushes.
  • Historical Data on Past Incidents: Analysis of previous crowd disasters reveals common factors leading to fatalities, such as inadequate space and poor crowd control measures. Lessons learned from these incidents can inform better practices for future events.

How can effective crowd management practices be implemented at large events?

  • Strategic Planning: Event organizers should create a comprehensive plan that includes crowd flow evaluation, risk assessment, and clearly marked exits and entrances. This planning should involve local officials to ensure safety measures are adequate.
  • Staggered Entry and Exit Times: To reduce peak crowd density, organizers can stagger arrival and departure times for attendees, allowing for a more manageable flow of people into and out of the venue.
  • Use of Barriers: Implementing physical barriers can help segment crowds into smaller groups, reducing the likelihood of dangerous surges. Barriers should be designed to allow for emergency exits if needed.
  • Crowd Monitoring Systems: Utilizing technology for real-time monitoring of crowd density and behaviour can help event staff respond quickly to potential dangers. Mass notification systems can alert staff about growing concerns, enabling timely interventions.
  • Staff Training and Communication: Ensuring that all staff and security personnel are trained in crowd management techniques is essential. Clear communication protocols should be established to relay information quickly during an event.

What role do policies and regulations play in enhancing crowd safety?

  • Mandatory Safety Regulations: Governments should introduce regulations requiring event organizers to adhere to safety standards that limit crowd density and ensure adequate emergency planning. Such policies can hold organizers accountable for crowd safety.
  • Economic Incentives for Compliance: While event organizers often prioritize profit over safety, regulations can create incentives for them to implement safer practices, such as limiting ticket sales based on venue capacity.
  • Post-Incident Reviews and Accountability: Establishing a framework for reviewing crowd disasters can lead to improved regulations and practices in the future. Accountability measures can encourage compliance with safety standards among event planners and local authorities.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Governments can promote awareness about crowd safety among the public, educating attendees on how to behave in crowded situations and the importance of following safety protocols during events.

What are the steps taken by the government?

  • National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Guidelines: The NDMA has formulated guidelines to ensure safe crowd management during mass gatherings. These guidelines include regulating traffic, using barricades, and ensuring adequate police presence to manage crowds effectively.
  • Capacity Evaluation: Before hosting large events, there is a requirement for proper evaluation of the venue’s capacity. This ensures that the infrastructure can handle the expected crowd size without leading to dangerous overcrowding.
  • Use of Technology: The government encourages the deployment of advanced technologies such as CCTV surveillance, drones for aerial monitoring, and public address systems to enhance crowd management and safety.
  • Traffic Management: Effective traffic management strategies are implemented, including displaying route maps, managing unauthorized parking, and controlling pedestrian flow around event venues to prevent bottlenecks.

Way forward: 

  • Strengthen Regulatory Framework – Governments should enforce stricter crowd safety regulations, mandating capacity limits, emergency preparedness, and real-time crowd monitoring for all large events.
  • Enhance Technological Integration – Deploy AI-based crowd analytics, drone surveillance, and real-time alert systems to monitor crowd density and movement. Training event staff in using these technologies will improve response times and prevent disasters.

Mains PYQ:

Q Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. (UPSC IAS/2020)

Q How important are vulnerability and risk assessment for pre-disaster management? As an administrator, what are key areas that you would focus on in a Disaster Management System? (UPSC IAS/ 2013)

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