Tragic incident during religious pilgrimage sparks concerns over crowd control measures
📰 Overview of the Incident
A tragic stampede at Haridwar’s Mansa Devi Temple on Sunday, July 27, 2025, resulted in the death of six devotees and left many others injured. The incident occurred on the staircase leading up to the temple, one of the holiest and most visited pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand.
The tragedy unfolded during the auspicious Hindu month of Sawan, which draws thousands of devotees, including Kanwariyas, to Haridwar. Pilgrims visit to collect Ganga water and offer prayers, leading to dense crowds throughout the temple routes.
Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed the incident to news agency ANI and stated that he is on his way to the temple to assess the situation personally.
🚑 What We Know So Far
- Location of Incident: Staircase to Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar
- Casualties: 6 confirmed dead, several others injured
- Cause: Stampede triggered by overcrowding on temple stairs
- Timing: Incident occurred during peak hours on Sunday morning
- Response: Injured being transported to hospitals; visuals show ambulances, stretchers, and emergency crews in action
- Authorities Involved:
- Local police and administration
- State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) deployed for rescue operations
- Medical and fire services on site
📍 About Mansa Devi Temple
Mansa Devi is one of the most revered temples in Haridwar, located atop the Bilwa Parvat hill. It is accessible via a ropeway or a steep staircase, which often becomes congested during festivals and weekends.
During Sawan, and especially on weekends, footfall can surge beyond safe capacity, with limited infrastructure to manage high-density pilgrim traffic.
⚠️ Crowd Control Concerns
This incident has reignited urgent concerns around safety protocols and crowd management at pilgrimage sites like Mansa Devi:
- No evidence of barricading or regulated access on the staircase
- Absence of real-time monitoring and alert systems during high footfall hours
- Emergency response appears delayed due to narrow and steep temple access
- Possible lack of CCTV coverage and crowd diversion mechanisms
🗣️ Official Statement
Vinay Shankar Pandey, Commissioner, Garhwal Division:
“We are investigating the cause and ensuring all medical assistance is provided. I’m on my way to the site.”
Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand:
“It is extremely distressing to receive news of a stampede on the route to the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar. @uksdrf, local police, and other rescue teams have reached the site and are engaged in relief and rescue operations. I am in constant contact with the local administration regarding this matter, and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to Mother Goddess for the safety and well-being of all devotees.”
📌 Key Facts at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | July 27, 2025 |
| Location | Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar, Uttarakhand |
| Fatalities | 6 confirmed dead |
| Injured | Multiple; exact number yet to be confirmed |
| Cause | Stampede due to overcrowding on staircase |
| Response | Medical teams, SDRF, and local police deployed |
| Religious Context | Holy month of Sawan, Kanwar Yatra footfall surge |
Investigation & Next Steps
- Authorities are conducting a detailed inquiry into the cause of the stampede.
- Crowd control protocols at hilltop and high-traffic temples may be re-evaluated.
- Eyewitness accounts, CCTV footage, and on-ground personnel reports will be reviewed to determine lapses and accountability
The Uttarakhand government has announced financial assistance of Rs 2lakh for the families of victims and Rs 50,000 for those injured.
Uttarakhand Police helpline numbers: (+91) 94111 12973, 9520625934
