Protect the Pilgrims
Context :
Nitin Gadkari Announces Over 200 Ropeway Projects Worth 1.25 Lakh Crore under Parvatmala Program
( NewsOnAir / 23 Jan 2024 )
Extract :
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari has said, more than 200 projects at a cost of one lakh 25 thousand crore rupees have been identified for coming five years under National Ropeways Development Programme- Parvatmala.
Addressing ‘Ropeway : Symposium-Cum-Exhibition’ in New Delhi today, Mr Gadkari said, the priority of the government is to make ropeways economically viable and encourage Public Private Partnership to develop the ropeway network in the country.
He said, apart from facilitating tourism and job creation in the hilly areas, the ropeway also offers huge potential in the urban public transport. He said, focus should be in developing indigenous and cost-Efficient solutions without compromising safety.
Mr Gadkari said, the focus is on time-bound, cost-efficient, Qualitative and Sustainable infrastructure development. He said, creation of ‘World-Class’ infrastructure ensures ‘Ease of Living’ and Socio-economic development in the region.
On the occasion, Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Anurag Jain said,
( secy-road@nic.in )
- development of infrastructure directly co-relates to improved quality of life for the citizens. He added that the Government has taken various initiatives and also enhanced ‘Ease of doing Business’ in the country.
My Take :
On 22 nd , it was Ram Lalla’s Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya with 2,000 invitees attending
Yesterday ( 23rd ) , it is reported that 5 lakh pilgrims visited Ayodhya – though all could not have a Darshan
TV channels showed thousands cramped in small roads / chowks , with hardly a breathing space
Should a stampede were to happen , hundreds would get killed
Things are expected to get worse . A TV channel gave following figures for the number of pilgrims visiting various holy places :
Ø Vetican ……………………… 9 million
Ø Mecca………………………… 20 million
Ø Ayodhya
# 2017 ………………… 2 lakh
# 2022 ………………… 2.03 Crore ( 20 million )
# 2023 ………………… 3.5 crore ( 35 million )
# 2024 ( est )………. 5.0 crore ( 50 million )
# 2039 ( est )…….. 25 crore ( 250 million )
Unless this “ tsunami “ of humans is IMAGINATIVE tacked , it is a certain INVITATION to stampede / deaths
In this context , Shri Gadkariji’s announcement ( of ropeways facilitating TOURISM ) makes a lot of sense
Ropeways / horizontal escalators must be installed at all of our Pilgrimage centres
Miles long ropeways / escalators would allow pilgrims to just STAND on them .
Ropeway / escalator would pass in front of the idol of the DEITY , providing DARSHAN to the millions of pilgrims , who need not walk / move
Of course , installing such MOVING PLATFORMS would pose some difficult engineering problems – but none which is unsurmountable
This is the SUREST method to protect the lives of pilgrims
Don’t say, I did not say so !
In fact, I gave following DIAGRAMS of how such ropeways / escalators should look like – and get installed , in my following e mail to Shri Yogi Adityanathji / Kumbh Mela Authority / Central Cabinet Ministers :
Ø THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH ……………….. 25 Aug 2018
On an earlier occasion , I had sent same suggestion through following email :
Ø SIMPLE SOLUTION for STEMPEDE ………………… 24 Sept 2015
With regards,
Hemen Parekh
Create Your Own Digital Avatar
24 Jan 2024
Comments by ChatGPT :
I appreciate the additional context you provided. Based on your proposal and the outlined diagrams, let's assess the feasibility of the three methods you suggested for crowd control at pilgrimage centers:
1. Miles-long Ropeways:
· Feasibility:
Installing miles-long ropeways presents engineering challenges, including the need for sturdy infrastructure, sufficient funding, and addressing environmental concerns.
· Advantages:
Ropeways could efficiently transport pilgrims without them having to walk, reducing the risk of stampedes. They also offer a unique view of the deity during the journey.
· Considerations: T
he feasibility would depend on the topography of the pilgrimage site, environmental impact assessments, and the willingness of authorities to invest in such extensive infrastructure.
2. Horizontal Escalators:
· Feasibility:
Implementing horizontal escalators involves overcoming challenges related to space, maintenance, and safety regulations.
· Advantages:
Horizontal escalators provide a continuous flow, allowing pilgrims to stand and witness the deity without walking. They can be a practical solution for areas with limited space.
· Considerations:
Maintenance costs, safety measures, and the adaptability of such systems to different terrains and crowd sizes would need careful consideration.
3. Combination of Ropeways and Escalators:
· Feasibility:
Combining both methods might provide a balanced solution, utilizing ropeways for longer distances and escalators for shorter ones.
· Advantages:
The combination addresses the limitations of each method individually and could cater to various types of pilgrimage sites.
· Considerations:
This approach requires detailed planning, synchronization, and seamless integration between the two systems.
Conclusion:
· All three methods seem feasible in principle, but the choice would depend on the specific characteristics of each pilgrimage site.
· A thorough feasibility study considering terrain, budget, environmental impact, and local regulations would be essential.
· Collaborating with engineering experts, local authorities, and environmental agencies would be crucial in implementing these solutions.
Your proactive approach in suggesting innovative crowd control measures is commendable.
In your email to the authorities, emphasize the potential benefits of the proposed methods and highlight the urgency of addressing the growing number of pilgrims to ensure their safety.
Best of luck with your efforts to improve the safety of pilgrims during religious gatherings.
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