1. Stampede incidents, such as the recent tragedy in Tamil Nadu, highlight gaps in crowd management, disaster preparedness, and governance. Discuss the major causes of stampedes in India and suggest effective institutional and technological measures to prevent such tragedies.
| Syllabus: General Studies – III: Disaster and Disaster Management. |
Stampedes are recurring tragedies in India, often during religious gatherings, political rallies, or public events. The recent stampede in Tamil Nadu and similar episodes in Karnataka reflect systemic gaps in crowd management, governance, and disaster preparedness.
Causes of Stampedes
1. Overcrowding & Poor Infrastructure
Narrow entry/exit points, inadequate barricades, lack of emergency exits.
2. Administrative Gaps
Weak planning, poor coordination among police, district administration, and event organizers.
3. Lack of Crowd Science Awareness
Organizers often fail to apply crowd density norms and flow management principles.
4. Trigger Events
Sudden panic due to rumors (fire, collapse, police lathi charge) leads to mass rush.
5. Inadequate Disaster Preparedness
Absence of medical facilities, emergency response teams, or evacuation drills.
6. Socio-Cultural Factors
High emotional devotion during festivals/political rallies leading to uncontrolled crowds.
Consequences
- Loss of lives and injuries (mostly women, children, elderly)
- Erosion of public trust in authorities and organizers.
- Communal or political tensions when incidents are linked with religious events.
Measures for Prevention
1. Policy & Legal Framework
- Strict enforcement of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines (2014) on crowd management.
- Mandatory safety audits before large gatherings.
2. Technological Interventions
- Use of CCTV, drones, AI-based crowd density monitoring.
- Mobile apps for real-time alerts and crowd updates.
3. Administrative Measures
- Deployment of trained crowd marshals and police units.
- Pre-event planning with mock drills and evacuation protocols
4. Infrastructure Upgradation
Wider entry/exit gates, multiple evacuation routes, proper signage.
5. Community Participation
Sensitizing organizers, volunteers, and local communities about crowd discipline.
6. Post-Incident Measures
Independent inquiry commissions, accountability fixing, and compensation mechanisms.
Stampedes are not natural disasters but man-made failures. With smart crowd management systems, strict enforcement of safety standards, and community awareness, India can prevent such tragedies. Building resilience in governance and preparedness is key to ensuring public safety during mass gatherings.
| PYQ REFERENCE [2020] Q. Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. [10 Marks] |
2. The demand by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) for constitutional safeguards in Ladakh has revived the debate on the extension of Sixth Schedule provisions to the region. How can the Sixth Schedule help protect Ladakh’s land, culture, and political rights? What challenges may arise in implementing it?”
| Syllabus: General Studies – II:Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States, Issues and Challenges Pertaining to the Federal Structure, Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels and Challenges Therein |
Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019, but local groups like the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) demand constitutional safeguards. They seek protection under the Sixth Schedule, which gives special powers of self-governance to tribal areas in the Northeast.
How the Sixth Schedule can help Ladakh
1. Protection of Land and Resources – Local councils can control land transfer and natural resources, preventing outside exploitation.
2. Cultural Safeguards – Ladakh’s unique Buddhist and tribal heritage can be preserved through community-based laws.
3. Political Representation – Autonomous councils would give Ladakhis direct decision-making powers, reducing feelings of neglect.
4. Tribal Rights – With over 90% tribal population, Sixth Schedule can safeguard customary practices and livelihoods.
5. Preventing Demographic Change – Restrictions on land transfer can prevent large-scale migration altering local identity.
6. Confidence Building – Shows government commitment to local aspirations, reducing alienation.
Challenges in Implementation
1. Strategic Sensitivity – Ladakh borders China and Pakistan; too much autonomy could raise security concerns.
2. Governance Overlap – Balancing powers between Union Territory administration, Hill Councils, and Sixth Schedule bodies may cause friction.
3. Precedent for Other Regions – Granting Ladakh this status may lead to similar demands in other UTs.
4. Integration vs. Autonomy – The Centre aims for integration; too much autonomy may dilute direct administrative control.
Way Forward
- Explore modified Sixth Schedule provisions suited to Ladakh’s strategic context.
- Strengthen Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils with more powers and finances.
- Ensure inclusive dialogue with LAB, KDA, and civil society.
- Balance local aspirations with national security concerns.
Extending or adapting the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh can protect land, culture, and tribal rights, but it must be designed carefully to address security sensitivities. A middle path—stronger local autonomy within the UT framework—could rebuild trust and ensure both development and national integration.
| PYQ REFERENCE [2025] Q.Examine the evolving pattern of Centre-State financial relations in the context of planned development in India. How far have the recent reforms impacted the fiscal federalism in India? [15 Marks] |