India has recorded 3,935 stampedes from 1996 to 2022, resulting in over 3,000 deaths, highlighting a significant public safety issue.
Religious events are a major cause of stampedes, with incidents like the 2011 Sabarimala tragedy (106 deaths) and the 2013 Kumbh Mela disaster (36 deaths) due to overcrowding.
Political events also lead to fatal stampedes, such as the 2014 Gandhi Maidan stampede in Patna, where over 30 people died.
Celebrity appearances, like during the promotion of Pushpa 2 in Hyderabad, have led to stampedes, including the recent tragic death of a woman and injuries to her son.
After the Hyderabad stampede, questions about police preparedness, crowd control, and actor/production team response remain unanswered, pointing to negligence.
India must implement stronger crowd safety measures, such as planning for space, hydration, clear entry/exit points, and emergency preparedness.
Events must ensure sufficient medical aid, trained personnel, and effective crowd management to prevent tragedies.
India needs to prioritize the safety of citizens attending large gatherings for religious, political, or entertainment purposes.
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