The Allahabad High Court has directed authorities in Mathura to develop and present a comprehensive plan for crowd and crisis management in the city, particularly in light of past incidents during festivals. The court’s intervention follows concerns over public safety stemming from overcrowding and unauthorised constructions, which can impede emergency responses.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Justice Vinod Diwakar issued the directive while hearing a petition filed by Swami Shiv Swarupanand Ji Maharaj. The petition initially challenged demolition actions by the Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA) as arbitrary, but the scope of the hearing broadened significantly to encompass public safety concerns.
In 2022, a stampede-like situation at the Banke Bihari temple during Janamasthami celebrations resulted in two fatalities and several injuries, highlighting the urgent need for robust crowd control measures. The court has sought details on existing strategies and management principles designed to handle crowd-related disasters, with the aim of sensitising stakeholders and enhancing institutional capacity through training and awareness programs.
The court has granted the MVDA a final opportunity to submit a comprehensive affidavit detailing its actions concerning all 23 properties against which demolition orders have been issued for alleged unauthorised constructions. Additionally, the authority must provide information on the number and specifics of properties identified for unauthorised construction over the past five years. The affidavit is also expected to outline the policy framework, statutory guidelines, standard operating procedures, and administrative mechanisms employed by the MVDA to regulate and prevent illegal construction within its jurisdiction.
The High Court noted that the significant influx of devotees during festivals in Mathura creates dangerous overcrowding, posing serious risks to public safety at historically important sites. The court observed that unauthorised constructions exacerbate these risks by obstructing rescue and emergency operations during such crowded events.
In its directives, the court ordered the Mathura District Magistrate to clarify whether an expert body exists within the district capable of understanding crowd behaviour, coordinating stakeholders with clearly defined roles, and implementing methodologies for effective crowd management. Furthermore, all relevant officers have been specifically instructed to state whether any scientific studies, academic research, or institutional analyses have been conducted concerning recent stampede-like incidents in the city.
The Municipal Commissioner and the Senior Superintendent of Police of Mathura have also been directed to outline the specific measures being undertaken to ensure the city remains safe and livable for its residents and the large number of pilgrims it hosts annually. The court has scheduled the next hearing for May 19.
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