Calls for Enhanced Safety Measures Following Tragic Temple Stampede

Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Jha has called for stronger measures to avert stampede incidents in India. His comments come in the wake of the devastating event at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district, which claimed nine lives due to overcrowding.

Jha questioned the absence of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for crowd management during such events, highlighting that while gathering crowds is easy, managing them poses a significant challenge. The stampede, which included the death of at least one child, underscored the urgent need for structured crowd management protocols.

According to police reports, the overcrowding stemmed from a lack of prior permission and notification to the authorities by the organizers of the privately built, unregistered shrine. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced financial aid for the victims. An investigation has been launched into the incident.