Ranchi: With less than a month to go for the India-West Indies T20I at the JSCA International Cricket Stadium here on Oct 9, a city-based social activist on Wednesday urged the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) and district authorities to strengthen crowd management and public safety arrangements for the fixture.In a letter to JSCA, with copies sent to Ranchi deputy commissioner, SSP, SP (traffic) and the health department, activist Jyoti Sharma said the crowd management problems witnessed during the Jharkhand T20 League final in June should be taken into account while planning for the international match.A stampede-like situation had developed at the stadium gates during the final amid an unprecedented rush, leaving at least six people injured.Sharma listed 10 areas requiring attention, including crowd control, systematic entry and exit procedures, emergency evacuation plans, traffic and parking management, medical preparedness, fire safety and adequate deployment of police and security personnel.She also sought special arrangements for women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities. “Clear signage and public address systems should be put in place to guide spectators about entry gates, exits, parking zones and emergency facilities,” she said.The activist further urged the authorities to conduct a comprehensive safety audit of the stadium and related infrastructure before the match to identify and rectify any shortcomings.A JSCA official said, “Ranchi has hosted several international matches flawlessly in the past. This time too, all necessary arrangements will be taken care of.”
