Karnataka govt issues SoPs for crowd control during events and mass gatherings

The Karnataka government on Tuesday released SoPs for crowd control during events and mass gatherings following the stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL victory celebrations on June 4.

The document released by the government includes general principles which mention that responses must prioritise life safety, protection of rights, prevention of property damage, and de-escalation of potential conflicts. It further lays down guidelines for pre-event planning preparations.

The document said that modern gatherings are often spontaneous and influenced by social media, necessitating adaptive strategies, adding that early planning, coordination with stakeholders, and minimal use of force are essential guiding principles, as stated in the SoPs outlined by the state government.
Guidelines for pre-event planning

• Simulation and Risk Assessment Conduct behavioral and spatial analysis simulations for crowd movement.
• Identify bottlenecks and potential high-risk areas using available tools.
• Venue Safety Audit Ensure venue compliance with safety standards, including capacity limits, entry/exit routes, emergency evacuation plans, and communication infrastructure.
• Venues failing safety audits must not be approved for high-footfall events.

Guidelines for event co-oridnation

• Police officers must liaise with organisers to gather critical details: Nature, date, and time of the event.
• Expected footfall and any counter-protests.
• Assembly and dispersal plans.
• Permit status and coordination with allied departments (fire, health).
• Possibility of Counter protests and demonstrations Risk to nearby vital installations,
• Past behavior at similar events Availability of emergency services and mutual aid

Guidelines to develop a Crowd Management Plan

• Clearly assigned roles for police and security staff.
• Movement control protocols for crowd flow, especially at critical choke points.
• Emergency response plans, evacuation routes, and medical aid arrangements..
• Coordination strategy among all deployed agencies Use of digital ticketing and reserved seating to streamline entry.

On-ground deployment and access control

• Trained Personnel Deployment Place officers at key access points, exits, and high-density areas. Ensure all personnel are trained in crowd control, communication, and emergency protocols.
• Entry Screening and Verification Have a spacious and organised Holding Area for crowd entry Implement checkpoints with metal detectors, QR code scanning, or biometric systems as far as possible.
• Ensure separate access lanes for VIPs, general public, and staff.

Queue management guideline

• Use barricades and floor markings to guide attendees.
• Provide real-time updates on wait times.
• Designate accessible lines for the differently-abled.
• Use barricades to control access and organise queues.
• Mark all emergency exits clearly and keep them unobstructed.

These guidelines have been put in place following the stampede incident in Bengaluru that led to the death of 11 people on June 4, LiveLaw reported Tuesday.

The tragic incident drew widespread criticism on crowd management after lakhs of people thronged Chinnaswamy stadium to celebrate RCB's maiden title win.