Crowd Disaster Management - Understanding and Strategies for UPSC Exam

Defining Crowd Disaster

Crowd disasters are not a recent occurrence, but they were traditionally considered localized incidents and thus were not given the attention they deserved. However, with India's burgeoning population, the regularity of large gatherings at places like shopping malls, religious sites, train stations, etc., and the recognition that these mishaps can lead to significant loss of life and damage to national property, the need for a national policy on this matter has become imperative.

Triggers of Crowd-related Disasters

As per the NDMA , the causes of such disasters can be grouped into six categories:

1. Structural Failures
2. Fire or Electrical Mishaps
3. Inadequate Crowd Control
4. Erratic Crowd Behaviour
5. Security Breaches
6. Poor Coordination Among Different Stakeholders

NDMA's Guidelines for Crowd Management

Strategizing the management plan

1. Understand the Visitors
2. Understand the Stakeholders
3. Develop Crowd Management Strategies
   • Plan for Capacity
   • Understand Crowd Behaviour
   • Understand the Process of Crowd Disasters
   • Control the Crowd
   • Approach the Stakeholders
4. Analyze Risks and Prepare Accordingly
   • Identify Potential Threats or Causes
   • Assess the Risks
   • Plan Ahead
   • Develop a Course of Action
5. Manage and Disseminate Information
6. Implement Safety and Security Measures
7. Provide Medical Emergency Services

The Role of Media

The role of media can be broadly classified in the following way:

1. Educational Role
2. Critical Role
3. Suggestive Role

Before a Disaster Occurs:

1. Alert the Authorities
2. Prepare the Community and Educate them about Do’s and Don’ts
3. Monitor any Anti-social Elements, thus Helping in Maintaining Law and Order

During a Disaster:

1. Broadcast Accurate Information to Prevent Rumours and Reduce Panic
2. Educate People about their Do’s and Don’ts to Minimize Further Damage
3. Assist Authorities in Reaching Out to the Victims and Their Families
4. Facilitate Resource Mobilization for Relief Operations

After a Disaster:

1. Inform People about Post-disaster Rehabilitation Measures
2. Aid in Investigating the Causes of the Disaster
3. Generate Expert Opinion through Debates/Discussions for Better Preparedness in the Future

The Role of Science and Technology in Disaster Mitigation and Prevention

1. Geographic Information System
2. Radio Frequency Identification
3. Radio, Television, SMS etc.

These technologies, along with other methods, aid in creating early warning systems, disseminating information, conducting search and rescue operations, processing insurance claims, etc.

Legal Provisions

1. Disaster Management Act, 2005
2. The Police Act, 1961
3. Kerala Police Act, 2011
4. UP Melas Act, 1938
5. Cinematograph Act, 1952
6. Delhi Cinematograph Rules, 1953

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