3 Things Rath Yatra stampede, Telangana factory blast, and a push to cut delays
Jul 4, 2025
In this discussion, Sujit Bisoyi from The Indian Express sheds light on the devastating stampede during the Puri Rath Yatra, highlighting flaws in crowd management that led to tragedy. Nikhila Henry also from The Indian Express, addresses the catastrophic chemical factory explosion in Telangana, which tragically claimed 38 lives, delving into the rare causes behind such incidents. The conversation wraps up with a look at the Indian government's initiatives aimed at reducing administrative delays and enhancing decision-making processes.
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Massive Crowd Demands Massive Planning
- The Puri Rath Yatra attracts millions, making it a massive event requiring extensive preparation.
- This year, over 10,000 police personnel and 100 civil servants were deployed to manage the crowd and logistics.
Stampede Details and Eyewitness Account
- On Sunday at 4 a.m., a stampede outside the Gundicha temple led to 3 deaths and 50 injuries during Rath Yatra.
- Eyewitnesses said no police were present and two vehicles entering crowded area triggered panic.
Victims' Families Describe Chaos
- Victims' families said overcrowding outside Gundicha temple was 25,000 while the area could handle only 5-10,000.
- Local people and relatives were the first to rescue victims, highlighting lack of official response.