Jaipur, Feb. 11 -- The Rajasthan State Human Rights Commission (RSHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of safety lapses and inadequate facilities at major religious sites across the state. It has directed the Devasthan Department and temple managers to ensure proper arrangements for devotees amid risks of overcrowding and tragedies. In an order issued on February 10, RSHRC chairperson justice GR Moolchandani said, "Protecting basic human rights, safety and dignity of devotees visiting temples and religious sites is a collective responsibility of authorities, institutions and management committees." The commission stated that tens of thousands of devotees and tourists visit prominent religious places in Rajasthan every year. It cited major pilgrimage centres such as Ramdevra, Shrinathji Temple, Khatu Shyamji, Salasar Balaji, Govind Devji Temple, Mehandipur Balaji, Galta Tirth, various Ganesh temples in Jaipur and Jodhpur, and the Ajmer Sharif Dargah as locations with heavy footfall. The commission expressed concern over past tragic incidents, including stampedes and accidents that caused deaths and injuries due to overcrowding at such events. It stressed the need for arrangements to prevent future mishaps, especially given the presence of elderly people, women, children, persons with disabilities, and ill devotees, who require facilities meeting humanitarian standards. The order outlined essential facilities that must be ensured at major temples and religious sites, including safe drinking water; shaded waiting areas; orderly queue systems; seating; separate queues for elderly, sick people and women; and medical teams with emergency equipment and medicines. It also mandated adequate shelters during adverse weather, clean toilets (including for persons with disabilities), sufficient lighting, fire safety equipment, wheelchairs, stretchers, and ambulance services. Further directives called for fair pricing and regulated sale points for flowers, prasad and related items; rest houses; and clear information on temple timings, visiting days and crowd management. The commission noted that temple trusts and managing committees possess the financial resources and administrative duty to provide these, while government departments must offer regulatory oversight and coordination. The commission directed the Devasthan department commissioner to submit a comprehensive report on existing arrangements at major sites and steps taken for safety, security and convenient access. Notices have gone to temple administrators, trustees and relevant district authorities for compliance. A compliance report and hearing are scheduled for March 12....