A month after the stampede in Bengaluru, the Karnataka government on Tuesday released SOPs for crowd control programs and collective celebrations. The SOP mentions that police reactions should prioritize life safety, security of rights, prevention of property loss and reduce possible conflicts. SOPs have been released because modern functions are often spontaneous and affected by social media, which requires adaptive strategies. The state government said that the initial plan, coordination with stakeholders and the use of minimum force are necessary guiding principles.
Also read this: Panic due to heart attack in Hassan district of Karnataka, more than 20 deaths in 1 month, Siddaramaiah government came into action
Guidelines for pre-program scheme
Identify obstacles and potential high -risk areas using available equipment.
Ensure compliance with the venue with safety standards, including capacity limit, entry/exit route, emergency withdrawal plan and communication infrastructure.
The venue sites failing in security audit should not be approved for high-footfall events.
Also read this: Will CM change in Karnataka? Randeep Surjewala cleaned after meeting with MLAs
Guidelines for program coordination
Police officers should contact the organizers to collect important details:
Nature, date and time of the program.
Expected crowd and any protest.
Schemes of gathering and spread.
The status of permit and coordination with allied departments (fire fighting, health).
Possibility of protests and demonstrations, risk to important installations nearby,
Availability of previous behavior emergency services and mutual support in similar events