Highlighting the recurring threat of crowd-related disasters during festivals in Mathura, the Allahabad High Court has demanded a comprehensive status report from district authorities regarding their preparedness for crisis management and strategies to curb unauthorized constructions that hamper emergency operations.
The court’s intervention follows a petition filed by Swami Shiv Swarupanand Ji Maharaj, which initially challenged “selective” demolition actions by the Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA). However, Justice Vinod Diwakar expanded the scope of the plea to address broader issues of public safety, citing the 2022 Janmashtami stampede at the Banke Bihari temple that resulted in two deaths and numerous injuries.
The High Court expressed serious concerns over the “heavy influx of devotees” during festivals, noting that historically significant sites in Mathura often face dangerous overcrowding. The court observed that unauthorized constructions exacerbate these risks by obstructing rescue paths and emergency services during critical moments.
Justice Diwakar has specifically directed the Mathura District Magistrate to disclose whether an expert body exists to study crowd behavior. The court is seeking clarity on:
- The coordination mechanisms between stakeholders.
- The methodologies adopted for effective crowd control.
- Whether any scientific studies or academic research have been conducted following recent stampede-like incidents to prevent future tragedies.
The petitioner, Swami Shiv Swarupanand Ji Maharaj, alleged that the MVDA’s enforcement actions were “arbitrary and discriminatory.” According to the petition, while demolition orders were issued for 23 properties categorized as unauthorized, the authorities allegedly adopted a “pick and choose” policy, executing orders only against the petitioner and a few others.
In response, the High Court has granted the MVDA a final opportunity to file a comprehensive affidavit. This report must include the status of action taken against all 23 identified properties and a list of all unauthorized constructions booked over the last five years.
The court further directed the Municipal Commissioner and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Mathura to outline specific measures taken to ensure the city remains “safe and livable” for both residents and pilgrims. The authorities must present the statutory guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) currently in place to regulate urban growth and prevent illegal encroachments.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on May 19, by which time the district administration and MVDA must provide the sought details on institutional capacity building and stakeholder sensitization.
