2 months after stampede, damage control

In his order, Karandikar said till now, the government machinery ‘‘has probably not taken any measures as these functions normally pass off peacefully and disaster management at religious gatherings had not been given a serious thought. But, the Mandharvedi tragedy has underlined the need to follow certain rules.’’

First, district collectors must immediately prepare a calendar of all annual fairs so that the administration can be ready well in advance. While the Police will have to play a bigger role in managing the annual fairs, other departments like Revenue and Forest will have to share responsibility as well.

According to the guidelines, the Special Branch of Police will have to inspect the temple and its surroundings, the route the pilgrims will travel, the place where devotees take holy dips and temporary bus stands ahead of the fair. Besides, policemen will have to be posted at all these places on the day of the gathering to monitor the crowd.

The district administration has been asked to ban parking on the main road leading to the temple. But it has to earmark parking space and give adequate notice to the public.

Apart from deputing policemen at crucial spots, temporary police chowkies will be errected wherever required. These police chowkies will have to be equipped with wireless sets, ropes, batteries and other emergency items.