HC flags crowd safety in Mathura, seeks details on disaster strategy

Prayagraj: Taking note of recent stampede‑like incidents during auspicious occasions in Mathura that resulted in injuries and casualties, the Allahabad high court on Tuesday sought to know whether the district administration has a crowd and crisis‑management plan in place.

Hearing a petition filed by Swami Shiv Swarupanand Ji Maharaj, Justice Vinod Diwakar asked the Mathura district authorities to place on record the strategies and management principles adopted to handle crowd‑related disasters, measures taken for sensitising stakeholders and steps to enhance institutional capacity through training and awareness.

The petitioner has moved the court against state govt and the Mathura‑Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA), alleging arbitrary and discriminatory demolition actions amounting to a “pick and choose” policy.

He submitted that while demolition orders were passed against 23 properties for alleged unauthorised constructions, action was selectively taken only against him and certain others.

Granting MVDA a final opportunity to file a comprehensive affidavit, the court sought details on the status of demolition proceedings against all 23 properties, the number and particulars of unauthorised constructions booked by MVDA over the past five years, and the policy framework, statutory guidelines, standard operating procedures and administrative mechanisms adopted to prevent and curb unauthorised constructions.

The court also expanded the scope of the petition, observing that heavy influx of devotees during festivals in Mathura often leads to dangerous overcrowding, raising serious concerns over public safety. It noted that unauthorised constructions aggravate the situation by obstructing rescue and emergency operations.

Directing the Mathura district magistrate to respond, the HC asked whether any expert body exists in the district to study crowd behaviour, ensure coordination among stakeholders with clearly defined roles and adopt effective crowd‑management methodologies.

The court further asked all officers concerned to disclose whether any scientific studies, academic research or institutional analyses were conducted following recent stampede‑like incidents, and to detail their scope, methodology, findings and recommendations, along with the extent of their implementation.

The municipal commissioner and the senior superintendent of police were also directed to outline measures taken to ensure the city remains safe and liveable. The matter will be heard next on May 19.
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