Context of the Issue:
A stampede at Tirumala temple during the Vaikunta Ekadasi celebrations exposed gaps in managing large crowds at pilgrimage sites, despite elaborate safety measures.
Key Concerns:
Safety: India has recorded over 3,000 deaths in religious stampedes between 1996 and 2022 (NCRB).
Environmental Impact: Large pilgrim footfall is causing deforestation, urbanisation, and biodiversity loss in areas like the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve.
Fairness: Unequal access through VIP privileges creates inequities among devotees.
Proposed Measures:
Prioritise first-time visitors and rethink VIP darshan.
Introduce virtual darshan options and limit daily pilgrim caps.
Collaborate between religious bodies and government for better crowd management and conservation.
COMMENTS