High Court Reviews Crowd Disaster Preparedness in Mathura

The Allahabad High Court has sought details from district authorities on whether a comprehensive crowd and crisis management plan exists for the city of Mathura, especially during large-scale religious gatherings and festivals.

Justice Vinod Diwakar, while hearing a petition filed by Swami Shiv Swarupanand Ji Maharaj, directed the authorities to furnish information regarding strategies and management principles adopted to prevent crowd-related disasters. The court also asked about initiatives aimed at sensitising stakeholders and strengthening institutional capacity through training and awareness programmes.

The court’s observations come in the backdrop of recurring concerns over crowd safety in Mathura and nearby temple towns during festive occasions. In 2022, a stampede-like situation at the Banke Bihari Temple during Janmashtami celebrations resulted in the deaths of two devotees and injuries to several others, raising serious questions about crowd regulation and emergency preparedness.

The High Court’s intervention is expected to push local authorities toward implementing stronger crowd control measures, emergency response protocols, and better coordination among administrative and security agencies ahead of major religious events.