Biharsharif: Two weeks after the stampede at Sheetla Mata Temple near Madhra village in Nalanda district that left at least nine devotees dead and several injured, the district administration’s push for stricter crowd-control measures has begun to show results at major religious sites. However, gaps persist at smaller venues.Nalanda district magistrate Kundan Kumar said mandatory police clearance has now been enforced for all public gatherings, including religious and social events. “No event will be allowed without prior permission and a basic crowd-management plan,” he said, adding that block-level officials have been directed to ensure strict compliance.Superintendent of police (SP) Bharat Soni said additional forces have been deployed at sensitive locations, particularly in Rajgir, where preparations are underway for the month-long Malmas Mela. “Barricading, one-way entry and exit routes, and CCTV monitoring are being implemented at key religious sites. We are also conducting regular inspections,” he said.Rajgir subdivisional officer (SDO) said volunteers and civil defence personnel are being trained to assist in crowd regulation during peak gatherings. “We have identified vulnerable points and are working on route diversion and emergency response mechanisms,” he added.Despite these measures, ground reports from rural pockets and smaller temples suggest limited change. Many such venues lack basic arrangements like signage, regulated entry points and trained personnel. Locals in several areas said they had not been briefed about the new safety protocols.Marriage hall operators in Biharsharif said that while the directive on police clearance is being followed, implementation remains uneven. “There is no single-window system yet, and monitoring is not uniform,” said an organiser.Meanwhile, families of the victims continue to seek accountability. Officials confirmed that ex-gratia payments have been distributed, though some beneficiaries are yet to receive the full compensation.
