Operation Eleven

The Uttar Pradesh government launched ‘Operation Eleven’ to manage crowds during the Amrit Snan on Basant Panchami at the Maha Kumbh. This initiative was prompted by the tragic stampede during the Mauni Amavasya, which resulted in numerous casualties. The government aimed to ensure the safety and smooth movement of devotees attending this religious event.

Background of Maha Kumbh

• The Maha Kumbh is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, held every 12 years at four rotating locations.
• It attracts millions of pilgrims who come to bathe in sacred rivers.
• The event is marked by various auspicious bathing days, with Basant Panchami being particularly .

Objectives of Operation Eleven

• Operation Eleven focuses on crowd control, safety, and efficient traffic management.
• The primary goal is to prevent overcrowding and ensure the safety of devotees.
• Special measures were implemented to facilitate smooth movement and enhance security.

Key Measures Implemented

• One-Way Traffic System: A strict one-way traffic route was established to regulate the flow of devotees. Major routes were diverted to reduce congestion.
• Enhanced Security: Additional police forces were deployed at critical locations, including the New Yamuna Bridge and Shastri Bridge, to monitor and control crowd movement.
• Crowd Control Units: Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) units were assigned to manage crowds at key junctions like Tikarmafi Turn.
• Transport Arrangements: Temporary bus stations were set up to facilitate travel to nearby cities. Increased train frequency was coordinated to accommodate the influx of pilgrims.
• Monitoring and Patrols: Motorcycle patrol squads were established to monitor crowd behaviour and ensure safety at various points along the routes.

Implementation Timeline

Operation Eleven was activated in preparation for the Amrit Snan on Basant Panchami, which took place on a Monday. The state government outlined a detailed plan to ensure all measures were operational ahead of this date.

Challenges and Considerations

Managing such a massive gathering poses challenges. The risk of overcrowding remains a primary concern. Continuous monitoring and adaptive strategies are essential to respond to emerging situations. The government’s emphasis on a “zero-error” approach reflects its commitment to safety.

Community Engagement

Local communities were engaged to assist in the management of crowds. Volunteers were recruited to help guide pilgrims and provide information. This community involvement was crucial for enhancing the overall safety and experience of the attendees.

Future Implications

The success of Operation Eleven may set a precedent for future events. It marks the importance of comprehensive planning and collaboration between government agencies and local communities. The lessons learned can inform strategies for managing large-scale religious gatherings in the future.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of large religious gatherings on local infrastructure and public services.
2. What are the key factors contributing to crowd management challenges during major events like the Maha Kumbh? Explain.
3. Estimate the role of technology in enhancing safety measures during mass gatherings such as the Maha Kumbh.
4. Point out the significance of community involvement in managing large crowds during religious events. How can this be improved?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of large religious gatherings on local infrastructure and public services.

1. Increased demand for transportation services, leading to congestion and delays.
2. Strain on local health services due to potential medical emergencies and increased foot traffic.
3. Pressure on sanitation and waste management systems, necessitating enhanced services.
4. Need for improved security infrastructure to manage large crowds effectively.
5. Potential economic boost for local businesses, but may also lead to inflation in prices due to high demand.

2. What are the key factors contributing to crowd management challenges during major events like the Maha Kumbh? Explain.

1. High volume of attendees leading to overcrowding at key locations.
2. Inadequate infrastructure to support large crowds, such as limited access points.
3. Varied crowd behavior and unpredictability during peak times, complicating management efforts.
4. Insufficient coordination among multiple agencies responsible for safety and logistics.
5. Challenges in communication and information dissemination to attendees regarding safety protocols.

3. Estimate the role of technology in enhancing safety measures during mass gatherings such as the Maha Kumbh.

1. Use of surveillance cameras for real-time monitoring of crowd dynamics and potential hazards.
2. Deployment of drones for aerial surveillance to assess crowd density and movement patterns.
3. Mobile applications for pilgrims to receive updates and alerts on safety and traffic conditions.
4. Integration of data analytics to predict crowd behavior and optimize resource allocation.
5. Enhanced communication systems for coordinating among security personnel and emergency services.

4. Point out the significance of community involvement in managing large crowds during religious events. How can this be improved?

1. Community volunteers can provide local knowledge and assist in guiding pilgrims efficiently.
2. Engagement encourages a sense of ownership and responsibility among local residents towards safety.
3. Volunteers can help disseminate information on safety protocols and emergency procedures.
4. Training programs can enhance the skills of community members in crowd management techniques.
5. Regular collaboration between local authorities and community groups can improve preparedness for future events.