The conference was organised by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) jointly with the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA). Shri V. S. Sunil Kumar, Minister for agriculture, Government of Kerala, delivered the valedictory address.
Underlining the need for innovative strategies to mitigate the risk of crowd related disasters, Shri R. K. Jain, Member, NDMA, said that the conference has brought to focus “varied issues relevant to efficient crowd management.”
Three technical sessions – Planning & Coordination, Safety Standards – Fire Works and Use of Animals in Festivals, and Cross-Cutting Issues – were held today. Detailed discussions were held on issues pertaining to planning and interagency coordination, including the role of Police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Civil defence and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs). Besides, medical preparedness and use of Technology and media to reduce the potential risks related to crowded gatherings were also discussed. At the technical session on Safety Standards, the need to comply with the relevant guidelines and laws while organising and managing mass gatherings was highlighted.
Discussions at this conference will aid the revision of NDMA Guidelines on ‘Managing Crowd at Events and Venues of Mass Gathering’, first issued in 2014.
KSD/PK/KM
