CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government has notified comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for public meetings and roadshows, placing full responsibility for crowd safety on organisers and prescribing stricter conditions for roadshows.
The SOP, which has been formulated in the aftermath of the Karur stampede in which 41 people were killed on September 27 last year, stipulates that roadshows should be concluded within three hours and audiences should not be made to wait more than two hours.
The SOPs were issued following directives from the Madras High Court to notify it not later than January 5. Additional Chief Secretary to the Home Department Dheeraj Kumar released the 56-page document, laying down detailed guidelines for organising large public gatherings in the State.
According to the government order, the SOP will apply to all public meetings, processions, roadshows, demonstrations, protests, and cultural or religious events where the number of participants exceeds 5,000.
After consultation with the police, the district collector shall notify designated locations. In Chennai, this responsibility will rest with the Commissioner of Police. If the venue of a public gathering is located on a national highway or state highway, organisers must obtain prior permission from the authority concerned.
Organisers must submit a written application to the jurisdictional police station or the sub-divisional officer, with details of the start and end points, the date and time, and the expected crowd size.
For major political events where the anticipated turnout exceeds 50,000, applications may be submitted up to 30 days in advance.
After evaluation, the sub-divisional police officer shall grant permission at least 15 days before the proposed date of the event.
Crowd safety is on organisers
Emphasising accountability in the wake of the Karur tragedy at TVK chief Vijay’s rally on September 27, the additional Chief Secretary stated that organisers would be held fully responsible for crowd safety, regulation, and management. If the crowd exceeds the permitted limit or causes damage to public or private property, the organiser will be solely responsible and required to compensate for the losses, he said.
Organisers must deploy first-aid booths and ambulances at the venue to prevent untoward incidents. Details of the persons in charge of civic amenities, such as drinking water, sanitation, toilets, and refreshments, must also be furnished, the notification said. The organiser must ensure the safety of vulnerable persons, including pregnant women, senior citizens, and children, and prevent them from being exposed to high-density crowd zones or made to stand for prolonged periods.
Stringent norms for road shows
The SOP also lays down additional conditions for road shows. Such events must strictly follow the approved routes, and no diversion, change in route, or change in timing will be permitted without prior written approval. The road shows should be held for a maximum of 3 hours, and the audience should not be gathered unnecessarily in advance for more than 2 hours. Road shows should not obstruct emergency services, hospitals, educational institutions or junctions.
Organisers must deploy one volunteer for every 50 participants. The SOP further mandates the safe dispersal of crowds after the conclusion of events. Organisers are required to install an adequate number of CCTV cameras covering the entire venue. Committees will be formed at the district and taluk levels to monitor compliance with safety measures.