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Unforeseen Calamity Strikes During another Kumbh Mela Event

Investigation necessary into the factors leading to the tragic weekend railway station stampede in New Delhi, as responsibility remains questionable and the public is often deemed culpable in similar unfortunate incidents.

Tragic Event at Kumbh Mela Unavoidable, Reports Suggest
Tragic Event at Kumbh Mela Unavoidable, Reports Suggest

Unforeseen Calamity Strikes During another Kumbh Mela Event

In a tragic turn of events, a second fatal stampede involving Maha Kumbh pilgrims occurred at the New Delhi railway station on Saturday night. The incident, which took place near the Triveni Sangam, a sacred water body near Prayagraj, has raised concerns about the safety and organisation of such large-scale events.

The stampede involved a large crush of pilgrims trying to rush for a bath in the sacred waters. The confusion was potentially caused by an announcement over the PA system, leading people to believe that a specific platform would be for the Prayagraj Express.

The tragedy occurred miles away from the confluence of rivers, where millions of people have gathered for the Maha Kumbh. The number of people moving towards a stop for the Maha Kumbh is being spoken of in tens of millions.

The Indian public has not shown exemplary discipline in public places, as evidenced by the stampedes and road mishaps around the Maha Kumbh. The incident reflects poorly on the nation's people, as they seem to behave in a crowded situation by pushing, shoving, and jostling.

However, it is important to note that accountability for such unfortunate events is often lacking, with all the blame typically placed on the people. History tells of the Japanese people of Fukushima, who stood patiently in a queue for hours to get food handouts after a triple disaster.

The authorities have a responsibility to make the best possible arrangements for the millions of people attending the Maha Kumbh. The responsibility for the equipment and organization of safety measures at the Maha Kumbh lies primarily with the state government of Uttar Pradesh, which coordinates with various agencies including police, disaster management, health services, and local authorities to minimise risks for pilgrims.

A thorough probe is called for into the causes of the stampede at the New Delhi railway station. It is crucial to learn from this incident to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The previous tragedy involving Maha Kumbh pilgrims occurred in the national capital, New Delhi, and the official toll is said to be 30, but it may have been as high as 79 or even thousands.

The authorities must take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbh. The incident should have called for greater preparedness in the logistics of an extraordinary movement of people towards one place in the country.

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