This paper’s extensive coverage of the Kharghar sunstroke tragedy, throws into sharp relief our lack of preparedness when it comes to crowd management and a disaster management plan. We want to extrapolate this to other situations and events where crowds are expected and do arrive. This is also relevant to public transport systems, stops, station platforms, theatres, halls… wherever people gather.

The key is access to entrances and exits. That is why signage showing exit paths or routes is all important. Clear signage, arrows, markings, and well -lit paths are top of the list. Then you must have unhindered access to that exit. We need to have unobstructed pathways, just so that people can get out quickly and smoothly in case of any disaster. Unfortunately, this is not even followed in something as small as a building, where passages are often blocked with all kind of material, which makes exit difficult. The same goes for numerous gates of buildings which have obstructions, hampering emergency vehicles.