UPSC | Prelims GS | 2026

Which of the following is the most appropriate crowd-management lesson supported by the Kolkata pandal tragedy and the accompanying editorial?

  1. Keep entry and exit routes distinct and clear, impose crowd limits, and use calm pre-approved emergency communication
  2. Use sudden loud announcements to make crowds leave immediately
  3. Permit stalls and parked vehicles on escape routes to improve visitor convenience
  4. Treat crowd safety as a post-incident policing issue only

Answer

Correct Answer

Keep entry and exit routes distinct and clear, impose crowd limits, and use calm pre-approved emergency communication

Explanation

Option A combines the editorial's practical measures: marked routes, fixed limits, contingency planning and a trained voice of calm. Option B is wrong because alarming announcements can trigger panic. Option C obstructs movement and increases risk. Option D is wrong because prevention, drills and real-time coordination are required before an incident.

Topics: crowd safety, disaster management, festival-pandal regulation, governance