Crowds, safety
The ‘run fast, reach first’ attitude and approach have always been a discipline dampener and also a factor in crowd management (Page 1, “30 dead, 60 injured in stampede as crowds surge at Maha Kumbh”, January 30). The probe ordered by the Uttar Pradesh government will suggest additional safeguards, yet there will be the dangers of excitement, obstinacy, and the intransigence of the crowd.
R. Sampath,
Chennai
It is not for the first time that such a devastating tragedy has happened at the Kumbh. The truth behind the claims of a world-class system of people management has been exposed. The authorities must strive to ensure that lives are safe.
S.K. Khosla,
Chandigarh
Human lives in India have the least value and the leaders at the helm of affairs get away by expressing grief and appointing committees to investigate incidents. We have borne witness to this for decades.
G.B. Sivanandam,
Coimbatore
Despite extensive security measures, including hundreds of surveillance cameras, drones, and a command control centre, the incident raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of crowd management during religious festivals in India.
R. Sivakumar,
Chennai
Better crowd management and some patience and adherence to the guidelines by the pilgrims could have saved lives. No VIP should be allowed to flout the rules. A festival that showcases India’s spiritual splendour cannot afford to have setbacks.
Bal Govind,
Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Special trains and flights have been arranged for the Kumbh, with thousands pouring into Prayagraj by the hour. How is the infrastructure sufficient to handle all these people?
The Government of India and the Government of Uttar Pradesh seem to be more interested in the income generated from a pilgrim’s visit than the facilities provided to the visiting millions who do not know where to stay, where to eat, and how to manage as it is a case of crowds, crowds and even more crowds everywhere.
Baru Rajendra Prasad,
Hyderabad
Homoeopathy, regulation
Homoeopathy has proven to be a cost-effective and effective treatment option for many. However, it is important to note that homeopathic mother tinctures are not necessarily cheap, and their sale is regulated. The article on the Editorial page (January 28) seems to suggest that homoeopathic medicines can be misused. However, any drug, if misused, can have harmful consequences, and homeopathy is no exception. As a user of homoeopathy, I would urge this daily to provide a balanced perspective on homoeopathy, acknowledging its regulations and contributions to health care.
Jose George N.,
Nileshwar, Kerala
The writers seem to be more worried about intoxication by homoeopathic tinctures than the very dangerous consequences of the consumption of plentiful liquor in bars and restaurants. One also wonders how they conclude that homoeopathic tinctures are incapable of effecting a cure.
P. Swaminatha Krishna,
Hyderabad
Cricketing honour
One can hardly think of a better recipient for the honour of ‘ICC Cricketer of the Year’ prize than Jasprit Bumrah. His hard work, consistency and ability to improvise have made him a modern legend. His sublime control over the ball and his cricketing intelligence are what make him lethal.
Nagarajamani M.V.,
Hyderabad
Published – January 31, 2025 12:24 am IST
