STAMPING OUT STAMPEDES

Frequent stampedes expose critical gaps in planning, polic- ing and preparedness across India's crowded public spaces

- BY ABHINAV KUMAR

In nearly three decades of service in the police force, one has come to understand that public order and safety hinge upon both past experience and continuous innovation. In India, a land of immense diversity and vibrant public gatherings, the frequency of stampedes is a recurring challenge, demanding our unwavering attention and proactive measures.

Over the past five years, more than two dozen stampedes have been reported from all parts of the country. These are mostly triggered during religious festivals and large-scale public events. Each incident, whether during a cultural celebration or an unexpected rush, serves as a sombre reminder of the critical gaps in our crowd management strategies and state capacity. What remains evident is that our approach must evolve, and so must our leadership at every level of the police hierarchy—especially when incidents such as the June 4 stampede in Bengaluru remind us of the human cost of inadequate planning and response.