Recently six people lost their lives in a stampede in Tirupati while waiting to collect tokens for Lord Venkateswara’s darshan.
Why do stampedes take place?
Stampedes are chaotic and uncontrolled movements of large crowds, often triggered by panic or an urgent rush to move in a confined or crowded space.
Venues that exceed their safe capacity can lead to dangerously crowded conditions. When too many people gather in a confined space, the risk of a stampede increases significantly.
Inadequate planning and lack of effective crowd control measures, such as clear exits and designated waiting areas, can exacerbate the situation. Poor organisation often leads to confusion and panic among attendees.
Narrow pathways, obstacles, and poorly designed event spaces can create bottlenecks during emergencies. These barriers make it difficult for people to move freely and can trap crowds, increasing the risk of crush injuries.
How does human psychology lead to stampedes?
Panic Response: Panic can spread rapidly through crowds, causing individuals to act irrationally. When one person begins to push forward out of fear or urgency, it creates a domino effect where others follow without understanding the situation.
External Triggers: Events such as loud noises, sudden movements, or perceived threats (like a fire or an emergency) can trigger panic responses in crowds, leading to stampedes.
Psychological Factors: Theories of collective behaviour suggest that in large groups, individuals may act against their own interests when panic sets in.
For instance, the desire to escape a perceived danger can override cooperative behaviour, leading to chaotic pushing and shoving.
How does the physical organisation of spaces contribute to stampedes?
Narrow Exits and Blocked Pathways: Limited exits and narrow pathways can create bottlenecks during emergencies, making it difficult for individuals to evacuate quickly.
When a crowd is forced to funnel through a small area which leads to panic and chaos, increasing the likelihood of a stampede as people rush to escape.
Poorly Designed Crowd Flow: Spaces that do not effectively manage crowd flow can exacerbate congestion.
Suppose different groups of people converge at the same point without clear guidance or separation that can lead to confusion and a surge of movement, triggering stampede conditions. Effective crowd management strategies are essential to ensure smooth movement.
Inadequate Lighting and Visibility: Insufficient lighting can disorient attendees and hinder their ability to navigate the space safely. In low-light conditions, individuals may struggle to see exits or understand the crowd dynamics, leading to increased panic and disorder during critical moments, which can precipitate a stampede.
How to better prevent stampedes, or at least, mitigate their risks? (Way forward)
Effective Crowd Management: Limit crowd size through pre-registration, schedule staggered entries, and organise queues with barriers and clear signage. Use real-time monitoring tools like CCTV and AI-based systems to manage crowd density.
Improved Infrastructure and Emergency Readiness: Design venues with wide pathways, multiple exits, and clear evacuation routes. Provide on-site medical facilities and train staff in crowd control, first aid, and emergency response.
Public Awareness and Technology Use: Educate attendees on safety protocols, and use digital tools like online ticketing and mobile alerts to prevent physical queues and guide the crowd calmly during emergencies.
The Supreme Court has criticized the Union government for its inaction in fully implementing the Dam Safety Act, 2021, nearly five years after its enactment.
What is the Dam Safety Act of 2021?
Details
Enacted to ensure the structural and operational safety of over 5,700 large dams in India.
Objectives (Section 3):
⢠Prevent dam-related disasters by ensuring dam safety.
⢠Establish institutions for monitoring, maintenance, and emergency preparedness.
Structural Mandate
National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS) (Sections 5â6): Chaired by the Chairperson of the Central Water Commission (CWC) and reconstituted every three years to develop policies, guidelines, and standards.
National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) (Section 9): Implements NCDS guidelines, regulates dam safety standards, and resolves disputes between State Dam Safety Organizations (SDSOs) and dam owners.
State Committees on Dam Safety (SCDS) (Section 14): Provide state-level oversight.
State Dam Safety Organizations (SDSOs) (Section 15): Monitor and inspect dams at the state level, reporting to NDSA.
Other Provisions:
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Responsibilities of Dam Owners (Section 38):Â Form Dam Safety Units, prepare and implement Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), and conduct regular Comprehensive Safety Evaluations (CSEs).
Emergency Preparedness (Section 39):Â Mandatory EAPs for rapid response in emergencies.
Penalties for Non-Compliance (Section 45):Â Imprisonment up to two years, fines, or both for failing to comply with Act provisions.
Why is Dam Safety a priority concern in India?
Third-Highest Number of Dams Globally: India has over 4,407 large dams, following China and the USA.
Aging Dams: By 2025, over 1,115 dams will be more than 50 years old; By 2050, 4,250 dams will surpass 50 years of age, with 64 dams exceeding 150 years.
Decreasing Storage Capacity: Sedimentation reduces reservoir efficiency, affecting water availability for irrigation, drinking, and hydropower. Ex. Bhakra Dam has experienced 139.86% higher siltation rates than estimated, reducing its lifespan.
Structural Vulnerabilities: Poorly designed sedimentation management systems make many dams structurally weak over time. Extreme environmental events, such as floods, can exacerbate these vulnerabilities.
Lack of Data and Monitoring: Insufficient documentation of storage loss, sedimentation rates, and other critical metrics leads to a lack of preparedness.
PYQ:
[2018] Suppose the Government of India is thinking of constructing a dam in a mountain valley bound by forests and inhabited by ethnic communities. What rational policy should resort to in dealing with unforeseen contingencies?
[2019] What is common to the places known as Aliyar, Isapur and Kangsabati?
The Indian Army has installed a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the bank of Pangong lake at an altitude of 14,300 feet, a region that is close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in the eastern Ladakh sector.
AboutPangong Lake (Pangong Tso)
Its name is derived from the Tibetan term âPangong Tso,â meaning âhigh grassland lake.â It is an endorheic (landlocked) lake with no outflow.
Location & Size:
Spans 134 km, divided between India (1/3) and the Tibetan Autonomous Region (2/3).
Situated at an altitude of 4,350 meters, covers 604 sq. km, and is 5 km wide at its broadest point.
Water & Climate:
Brackish water that completely freezes in winter.
The lakeâs color shifts with sunlight and weather, displaying shades of blue, green, and red.
Wildlife: Acts as a breeding ground for Bar-Headed Geese, Brahmini Ducks, and Radix freshwater snails.
Strategic Importance: Located in the Chushul approach, a key route for potential Chinese offensives, and was a major site of conflict during the 1962 war.
Political Features:
Border & Control: Lies on the Ladakh-China border, with the Line of Actual Control (LAC) passing through it.
Contested Terrain: The northern bank is a hotspot due to differing boundary perceptions; China has built roads highlighting the lakeâs strategic value.
1999 Incident: During Operation Vijay, China constructed a 5-km road inside Indian territory.
2020 Standoff:
Began on May 5, 2020, following a clash in the Pangong Lake area.
Disengagement on the north and south banks concluded in 2021.
On October 21, 2024, India and China resolved the final friction points (Demchok, Depsang), ending a four-and-half-year border standoff.
Q) On December 2004, tsunami brought havoc on fourteen countries including India. Discuss the factors responsible for occurrence of tsunamis and its effects on life and economy. In the light of guidelines of NDMA (2010) describe the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. (UPSC CSE 2017)
Mentorâs Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on topics like â tsunamiâ in (2017) and âNDMAâ in (2014,2016, 2017, 2020).
The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was a powerful reminder of nature’s force and human vulnerability. Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, was one of the hardest-hit areas, but the disaster also sparked important changes in disaster response and preparedness. Over the past 20 years, India has made significant progress in disaster management. However, challenges like urbanization, climate change, and more frequent extreme weather events continue to create new risks. Revisiting Nagapattinamâs experience provides valuable lessons for improving future disaster strategies and building stronger, more resilient communities.
Todayâs Editorial focuses on the disaster due to the tsunami. This content can be used for presenting the mains answer while talking about disaster management In India.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami is a moment to assess progress and gaps in disaster strategies. Nagapattinamâs experience highlights the critical need for building and sustaining long-term resilience.
What factors contributed to Nagapattinamâs journey of resilience?
Immediate Response and Coordination: Following the tsunami, Nagapattinam benefited from well-coordinated rescue operations led by experienced officers and supported by local volunteers, military personnel, and various government departments.
This swift action was crucial in managing the chaos and addressing immediate needs such as medical aid and shelter.
Infrastructure Restoration: The restoration of essential infrastructure, including electricity, water supply, and road connectivity, was prioritized.
Over 13,000 temporary shelters were constructed to accommodate displaced families, which played a vital role in stabilizing the community.
Holistic Rehabilitation Efforts: The recovery strategy incorporated Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) measures that emphasized building resilient communities.
This included constructing over 55,000 multi-hazard-resistant homes and establishing disaster-ready healthcare facilities and educational institutions.
Community Involvement: The active participation of over 400 NGOs in providing essential services fostered community ownership of recovery efforts.
Local communities were empowered to engage in their recovery processes, enhancing resilience through collective action.
Policy and Institutional Reforms: The disaster catalyzed significant reforms in Indiaâs disaster management framework, including the establishment of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the enactment of the Disaster Management Act in 2005.
These reforms institutionalized disaster preparedness and response mechanisms at various levels of government.
How can the lessons learned from this experience be applied to other vulnerable regions?
Emphasizing Preparedness: The importance of establishing early warning systems and enhancing community preparedness can be applied to other vulnerable regions. This includes regular training exercises and community drills to ensure readiness for future disasters.
Integrating DRR into Development Plans: Other regions can learn from Nagapattinamâs integration of DRR measures into urban planning and infrastructure development, ensuring that resilience is built into the fabric of communities from the outset.
Community Engagement: Involving local populations in recovery efforts fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment, which is crucial for long-term resilience. Engaging communities in planning and implementation can lead to more effective disaster management strategies.
Comprehensive Insurance Mechanisms: Expanding risk insurance beyond crops to cover housing and other assets is vital for enhancing financial resilience against disasters. This approach can help mitigate economic losses in future events.
What are the ongoing challenges faced by Nagapattinam in its journey towards sustainable development?
Evolving Risks: Nagapattinam continues to face challenges from evolving risks associated with climate change, urbanization, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. These factors necessitate ongoing innovation in disaster management strategies.
Sustaining Community Engagement: Maintaining active community participation in disaster preparedness initiatives remains a challenge as memories of past disasters fade. Continuous education and engagement are required to keep communities vigilant.
Resource Allocation: Ensuring efficient allocation of resources for ongoing recovery efforts is crucial but can be hampered by bureaucratic hurdles or misalignment with local needs. Institutional frameworks must be strengthened to facilitate better coordination between NGOs and government agencies.
Addressing Vulnerabilities: Disasters disproportionately affect marginalized groups, including women, children, and differently-abled individuals. Continued focus on inclusive policies that address these vulnerabilities is essential for building equitable resilience.
What are the NDMA guidelines to prevent this type of disaster?
⢠Early Warning Systems: Establishment of the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) for real-time monitoring and alerts using satellite data, sensors, and seismic readings. ⢠Community Awareness: Public awareness campaigns and regular drills to educate coastal populations on tsunami risks, evacuation routes, and safety measures. ⢠Preparedness Plans: Local disaster management plans with clear evacuation routes, shelters, and training for officials, responders, and volunteers. ⢠Coastal Zone Management: Risk-reducing coastal planning with tsunami-resistant structures and sustainable land use practices. ⢠Infrastructure Resilience: Strengthening infrastructure, including tsunami-resistant buildings and sea walls, and enhancing communication networks. ⢠Collaboration with Communities: Involving local communities in disaster preparedness, with the establishment of local disaster management committees. ⢠Research and Monitoring: Ongoing research into tsunami risks and hazards to improve warning systems and preparedness strategies.
Way forward:
Strengthening Resilience through Innovation and Inclusion: Develop adaptive disaster management strategies that incorporate advanced technologies like AI-driven risk assessments and community-based DRR measures.
Sustained Community Engagement and Education: Regularly conduct training, workshops, and awareness programs to keep communities prepared and involved. Leverage local knowledge and foster ownership in disaster preparedness to maintain long-term vigilance and resilience.
The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, raises serious concerns. Instead of addressing the shortcomings of the Disaster Management Act (DMA), 2005, the Bill reduces opportunities for participation, accountability, and efficient governance.
What are the lapses in the recent bill?
Top-Down Terminology: The Bill employs terms like “monitor” and “guidelines,” which suggest a top-down approach, rather than fostering community engagement through terms like “supervision” and “direction.”
This undermines trust between authorities and local communities, which are crucial in disaster response.
Neglect of Local Roles: While the Bill defines critical concepts such as ‘hazard’, ‘resilience’, and ‘vulnerability’, it fails to recognise the essential roles of local communities, panchayats, and NGOs in disaster management.
Lack of Intersectional Consideration: The Bill does not address intersectional discrimination affecting vulnerable groups like women, disabled individuals, lower castes, and LGBTQIA communities. Ignoring these factors limits the Bill’s inclusivity and effectiveness.
Absence of Accountability Mechanisms: The omission of performance evaluations for district authorities raises concerns about accountability. Without mechanisms to assess preparedness and response effectiveness, there is a risk of shifting blame onto individual philanthropic efforts during disasters.
Exclusion of Law and Order Issues: By stating that ‘man-made causes’ do not include law and order matters, the Bill complicates the role of police in disaster management while still involving them in executive committees.
Removal of Relief Standards: Key provisions regarding minimum standards of relief for disaster victims have been omitted from the Bill. This includes special provisions for vulnerable populations such as widows and orphans, which diminishes the support system for those affected by disasters.
Centralisation of Power: The Bill centralises decision-making by transferring responsibilities from local executive committees to national authorities, potentially leading to inefficiencies and delays in disaster response.
Neglect of Animal Welfare: The Bill does not address the impact of disasters on animals or include provisions for their welfare, which is a significant oversight given the scale of animal casualties during disasters.
Urban Disaster Management Authority (UDMA): The rationale behind establishing a separate UDMA is unclear, raising questions about its effectiveness given existing municipal structures that may not adequately address urban flooding issues caused by poor planning.
What are the lessons learnt from a spectrum of areas?
Community Engagement: Successful disaster responses have historically relied on local knowledge and community action.
For example,inCyclone Aila (2009, Sundarbans): Local villagers and fisherfolk initiated rescue operations well before official disaster response teams could arrive, saving countless lives.
Intersectionality Matters: Acknowledging diverse vulnerabilities ensures that disaster management strategies are comprehensive and equitable.
For example, Kerala Floods (2018): Specific interventions for women and children in relief camps improved health and hygiene outcomes, showcasing the value of targeted measures.
Accountability is Crucial: Clear accountability mechanisms are necessary to ensure that authorities fulfil their responsibilities effectively.
For example, in Uttarakhand Flash Floods (2013): Lack of timely action by district authorities and poor preparedness exacerbated the disaster’s impact, underscoring the need for performance evaluations.
Can Regional collaboration work out?
Regional collaboration could significantly enhance disaster management efforts, particularly in South Asia where cross-border challenges are prevalent:
Shared Resources and Knowledge: Collaborative frameworks among countries like SAARC, BIMSTEC, and BRICS could facilitate resource sharing and knowledge exchange during disasters.
Joint Preparedness Plans: Developing regional action plans based on shared vulnerabilities can strengthen collective responses to disasters.
Addressing Zoonotic Diseases: Given the increasing threat of zoonotic diseases, a coordinated regional approach could improve public health responses during disasters.
What is the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction?
The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) is a comprehensive international agreement aimed at reducing disaster risks and enhancing resilience globally.
It was adopted by UN member states during the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Sendai, Japan, from March 14 to 18, 2015.
India is a signatory to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030).
Way forward:Â
Strengthen Community Participation and Inclusivity: Amend the Bill to explicitly involve local communities, panchayats, and NGOs in disaster management.
Promote Accountability and Regional Cooperation: Introduce performance evaluations for district authorities to ensure preparedness and effective disaster responses.
Mains PYQ:
Q Describe various measures taken in India for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) before and after signing âSendai Framework for DRR (2015-2030)â. How is this framework different from âHyogo Framework for Action, 2005â? (UPSC IAS/2018)
PM Modi laid the foundation stone of the Ken-Betwa River Linking National Project, the first project under the National Perspective Plan (NPP) for interlinking rivers, conceptualized in 1980. The project would submerge over 10 per cent of the core area of the Panna Tiger Reserve.
About the Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP):
About
Objective: Transfer water from the Ken River to the Betwa River, both tributaries of the Yamuna.
Ken-Betwa Canal: Envisages a 221 km canal (including a 2-km tunnel) for water diversion.
Submergence area: Jhansi, Banda, Lalitpur and Mahoba districts of UP and Tikamgarh, Panna and Chhatarpur districts of MP.
Itâs the first interlinking project under the National Perspective Plan (1980).
Targeted completion within 8 years, as per the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Key Components
It will irrigate 10.62 lakh ha (8.11 lakh ha in MP and 2.51 lakh ha in UP) and provide drinking water to ~62 lakh people.
Power Generation: Aims for 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power.
Phases:
Phase-I: Construction of Daudhan Dam, related tunnels, canal, and powerhouses.
Phase-II: Building of Lower Orr Dam, Bina Complex Project, and Kotha Barrage.
Daudhan Dam:
Foundation stone laid in December 2024 by PM Narendra Modi.
2,031 m in length and 77 m in height, submerging ~9,000 ha across 10 villages.
Construction contract awarded to NCC Ltd.
Geographical Features of Ken and Betwa River
Ken River: Rises near Ahirgawan in Madhya Pradesh, flows through Bundelkhand, joins the Yamuna near Chilla village in UP.
Betwa River: Originates in the Vindhya Range (near Hoshangabad, MP), also flows through Bundelkhand, and meets the Yamuna at Hamirpur (UP).
Both rivers traverse hilly and plateau regions of Bundelkhand, often facing drought-like conditions.
Both are highly seasonal; flows depend largely on monsoon rainfall.
Significance
Water Scarcity Mitigation: Aims to alleviate drought-like conditions in Bundelkhand by ensuring year-round irrigation.
Enhanced Agriculture: 10.62 lakh ha of farmland to benefit, improving crop yields and farm income.
Drinking Water Supply: Targets ~62 lakh people in MP and UP, improving public health.
Energy Generation: A total of 130 MW (103 MW hydropower + 27 MW solar), boosting renewable energy capacity in rural areas.
Bundelkhand Development: Expected to spur socio-economic growth, reduce rural distress and migration, and aid industrial expansion.
Template for Future Projects: As the first interlinking project under the National Perspective Plan, its success could pave the way for additional river-linking schemes nationwide.
PYQ:
[2020] The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods, and interrupted navigation. Critically examine.
A depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression and is likely to further intensify into Cyclone Fengal.
The system is currently close to an area with higher sea surface temperatures (SST), contributing to its potential intensification into a cyclonic storm.
Origin of the Name ‘Fengal’
The name âFengalâ was proposed by Saudi Arabia and is rooted in Arabic.
It reflects a combination of linguistic tradition and cultural identity.
Cyclone Naming Process:
Cyclones in the North Indian Ocean are named by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) panel.
This panel includes 13 member countries, such as India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, among others.
Each member country submits a list of potential cyclone names, and these names are used sequentially as cyclones form in the region.
This system, in place since 2004, ensures easy identification and effective communication of storms to the public.
PYQ:
[2015] In the South Atlantic and South Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the main reason behind this?
Researchers have identified unique salt chimneys on the Dead Sea floor.
Key facts about the Dead Sea:
Details
Location
⢠Located between Jordan and Israel, with the eastern shore in Jordan and the western shore in Israel.
⢠The southern half of the western shore belongs to Israel, and the northern half is in the West Bank.⢠Divided by Al-Lisan peninsula into two basins: the northern basin is deep (400 m), and the southern basin is shallow (< 3 m).
Geographical Features
⢠430.5 meters below sea level, the Earthâs lowest land-based feature.
⢠Length: 50 km, Width: 15 km at its widest point.
⢠Surrounded by the Judaea hills (west) and Transjordanian plateaus (east).
Salinity and Density
⢠Salinity: 34.2%, almost ten times saltier than ordinary seawater, making it the fourth saltiest water body in the world.
⢠Density: 1.240 kg/L, which allows people to float easily.
Inlets and Outlets
⢠Main inlet: Jordan River.
⢠No outlet, water loss occurs primarily through evaporation.
⢠High salinity and harsh climate result in no life except for algae and microorganisms.
About the Salt ChimneysÂ
Salt chimneys are tall, chimney-like structures made of crystallized salt, recently discovered on the Dead Sea floor.
They are found by researchers from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) during an underwater survey.
These chimneys range from 1 to over 7m in height.
Formation Process:
Groundwater from surrounding aquifers flows through old salt deposits around the Dead Sea basin, dissolving halite (salt) and carrying it as brine.
Despite being saline, the brine is less dense than the Dead Sea water due to its high salinity, causing it to rise as a plume from the lake bed.
When this brine contacts the colder Dead Sea water, it rapidly crystallizes, forming chimney structures that can grow several centimeters in height each day.
Potential Role in Sinkhole Forecasting
Thousands of sinkholes have appeared near the Dead Sea in recent decades; understanding chimney formation may aid in preventing future collapses in vulnerable areas.
Researchers have linked the formation of salt chimneys to underground cavities, which are often the precursors to sinkholes.
The location of these chimneys may help predict areas at high risk for sinkhole formation, offering a way to monitor and mitigate potential hazards.
