The heart-rending tragedy which killed 150 in a stampede at the Naina Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh was really a saddening incident. Quite understandably there is hue and cry over gross mismanagement. Prima facie it appears that there is no system in place at this much-revered shrine to control the crowd. It is a pity that it has taken a catastrophe like this to wake up the concerned authorities. It needs to be said, however, that such occurrences are not unknown to us in this country. There is hardly any major place of worship in other states which has escaped them. It is true as much of our pilgrimage centres in the plains as those on the hilltops. Kumbh melas in Allahabad and other cities have proved vulnerable in the past with millions of people going in for a dip at the auspicious hour. The Jagannath yatra in Puri (Orissa) too is periodically exposed to loss of lives because of heavy rush. How can then the shrines situated in far-off hills be immune?

These are always exposed to a serious risk if the number of disciples mounts. If one has a look around on the global map one will come across similar heartbreaking stampedes in other countries including at Mecca. When spiritual frenzy explodes it paralyses caution and dissolves discipline. This is, however, one aspect of the problem. The other is the lack of facilities. There is a major difference between sport and political gatherings on the one hand and religious processions on the other. One is time-bound while the other is an extended affair. It is possible to regulate entry into a stadium or even an open field for a brief duration. A religious assembly in contrast entails a special kind of order and involves a greater degree of sensitive response.

Pilgrims in many cases at different places have faced the militant’s bullets and also natural mishaps. However, they have not been plagued by major stampedes. Have we ever paused to think of the steps taken over the years to make the pilgrimage comfortable? For instance at Vaishno Devi, there used to be a slippery dusty track earlier. It has been replaced by an excellent paved track. Landslide prone areas have been covered with tin sheds. A fixed number of yatra slips are issued each day. The strength of people inside the cave shrine is also not permitted to exceed a certain limit. New entry and exit points have been carved out to facilitate a smooth conduct. These measures pre-empty the possibility of an impulsive mass action a sudden headlong rush or flight of a crowd of people. Such measures should be adopted. In-addition, there should be medical help and eating joints after every few kilometers.

There should be significant police presence to take care of unwanted elements. One is, therefore, tempted to suggest the Vaishno Devi model for all mountainous shrines like the Naina Devi. After all it adds to our image and reputation as the inhabitants as they create environment for a happy darshan.