The Vaishno Devi tragedy is a stark reminder that pilgrim safety is the Govt’s responsibility

The New Year started with an avoidable tragedy at the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu. So far, 12 people have reportedly died and 15 are seriously wounded in the stampede there. An ex gratia of `10 lakh has been announced by the State Government to the kin of each of those killed, and an inquiry ordered into the incident. What led to the tragedy would be known only after the probe is completed but eyewitnesses said more than thrice the number of devotees than capacity had been allowed into the shrine area. It is not the first time that the shrine witnessed heavy rush on New Year’s. It’s also not the first time such a stampede occurred at a religious gathering. Be that as it may, it’s certain that there was heavy rush and a massive mass of devotees was being allowed in without proper safety measures in place. That’s it. It was a disaster waiting to happen. Twelve innocent lives were lost for no fault of theirs. The compensation apart, who takes the responsibility for the loss of lives and the trauma the devotees went through?

Let’s face it. We have become insensitive to human lives and believe only in filling up our coffers. God doesn’t discriminate among people based on their economic status or caste, but temple managements do. It is common knowledge that there are separate queues, with different amenities, carrying different price tags for devotees in south India. The trustees and temple managements in the north are no different. More footfall means more money, so scant thought is given to the safety of devotees. By the way, the Government must also own responsibility in neglecting the wellbeing of pilgrims who come from afar just to pay obeisance to the deity. It could not even ensure their safe passage back home! As a possible solution to the vexing issue without hurting religious sentiments, the authorities may consider allowing only a limited number of devotees per day on the shrine campus. For this purpose, online/postal bookings can be made and any open slots available may be offered to those adventurous souls who choose to troop in without any booking, much like the advance and current tickets system at movie theatres. It will also help the travellers and hoteliers plan for the journey in an orderly and meticulous fashion.