A devastating stampede on the Mansa Devi temple road in Haridwar on Sunday morning has left six devotees dead and over 30 injured, sparking a wave of grief and questions about crowd control during religious gatherings. The panic was reportedly triggered by a sudden rumor of an electric current spreading through the area, causing chaos among thousands of pilgrims.
What Triggered the Stampede on Mansa Devi Road?
At approximately 9:00 AM on Sunday, as scores of pilgrims ascended the narrow path leading to the revered Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar, someone spread an alarming rumor—that an electric current had spread along the walkway. This caused immediate panic among the devotees, many of whom were elderly, women, and children.
Eyewitnesses reported that people began pushing, screaming, and running in all directions. Within minutes, hundreds were caught in a deadly crush, many falling underfoot and getting trampled in the ensuing stampede. The sacred road, meant to be a path of devotion, turned into a scene of horror.
Confirmed Death Toll and Injuries
According to official sources, six people have lost their lives in the stampede. SSP Pramod Singh Dobal confirmed that 35 devotees were rushed to the district hospital, of whom six were declared dead. Several others remain in critical condition and are being shifted to higher medical centers for urgent treatment.
Swift Action by Emergency Services and Police
In response to the crisis, seven ambulances from the 108 emergency service and two from the ‘Khushiyon Ki Sawari’ service were immediately deployed. The emergency teams provided critical first aid and transportation to injured victims, helping prevent further loss of life.
Police forces, accompanied by SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) teams and local authorities, quickly cordoned off the area and initiated a rescue and evacuation operation. Efforts were made to control the panicked crowd, ensuring that medical assistance could reach the most severely injured in time.
Chaos Amid Sacred Devotion
The incident occurred during the peak of Sunday morning pilgrim movement, a time when thousands visit the Mansa Devi temple, located atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Sivalik Hills. The temple is among the most visited Shakti Peethas in North India and often sees huge crowds during weekends and festivals.
According to Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, the sheer volume of the crowd created an uncontrollable surge, exacerbated by the narrowness of the pathway. “The stampede was a result of panic triggered by a false rumor during a time of high footfall,” he stated.
CM Dhami Orders Magisterial Inquiry
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his deep sorrow over the tragedy and immediately ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. He announced that the state government would provide ₹2 lakh in compensation to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 to each injured person.
Taking to social media, CM Dhami wrote,
“Deeply saddened by the tragic incident at Mansa Devi temple road. The government stands with the victims’ families in this hour of grief. Relief and rescue operations are in full swing. I am constantly monitoring the situation.”
Prime Minister Modi’s Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also issued a statement mourning the loss of lives.
“I am deeply saddened by the stampede in Haridwar. My heartfelt condolences go to the families who lost their loved ones. I wish all the injured a speedy recovery. The administration is working on the ground to assist the victims.”
The PMO has reportedly been in constant touch with the Uttarakhand state government, ensuring all necessary support is extended for rescue and relief efforts.
Helpline Numbers Released for Families
To assist worried families and relatives, the District Emergency Operations Center in Haridwar has issued the following helpline numbers:
01334-223999
9068197350
9528250926
Additionally, the State Emergency Operations Center in Dehradun can be reached at:
0135-2710334
0135-2710335
8218867005
9058441404
Families are urged to contact these numbers for updates, assistance, and hospital information related to their loved ones.
Recurring Concerns Over Crowd Management
The tragedy has reignited the debate around pilgrim safety and crowd control at major religious sites in India. Despite previous incidents across the country, comprehensive crowd management protocols often remain insufficient or poorly implemented.
The Mansa Devi temple, while equipped with some crowd monitoring systems, is overwhelmed during peak days, especially when large gatherings occur without proper entry-exit planning. Safety experts and civil bodies have repeatedly urged for technological interventions, staggered entry timings, and more personnel deployment during high-density events.
Pilgrims Recount Horrific Moments
Several survivors shared harrowing accounts of the chaos.
“We were just climbing the steps when suddenly people started shouting ‘current lag gaya’… and everyone began running. My mother fell down, and people stepped over her. We pulled her out just in time,” said Ramesh, a local resident from Roorkee.
Another pilgrim, Sunita Devi, said,
“I lost my footwear and got separated from my family. It was terrifying… I saw an old man being carried away unconscious.”
These firsthand accounts highlight the intensity and horror of the situation, pointing to how a single rumor can spiral into mass tragedy.
Public Demands Accountability and Safety Reform
As the news spreads nationwide, social media and political leaders are demanding greater accountability. Hashtags like #MansaDeviStampede and #HaridwarTragedy are trending, with users questioning the temple administration’s crowd control preparedness and safety measures.
Many have called for real-time surveillance systems, AI-driven crowd density mapping, and emergency evacuation drills at all prominent temples and pilgrimage sites.
Way Forward: Ensuring Pilgrim Safety
This tragedy underscores the urgent need for structural and administrative overhauls in managing religious tourism. The following steps are being proposed by experts:
Advanced AI-based crowd control systems to monitor real-time density and flow.
Staggered time slots for temple visits during festivals and weekends.
Dedicated emergency lanes and exits along narrow temple paths.
Regular drills for temple staff and emergency response teams.
Clear communication channels to counter false rumors instantly.
These measures, if implemented effectively, could prevent future tragedies and restore public confidence in the safety of religious travel.
In Conclusion
The Mansa Devi temple road stampede in Haridwar is a grim reminder of the fragility of crowd dynamics and the devastating consequences of misinformation. As India continues to celebrate its spiritual heritage with grandeur, there is an urgent need to prioritize pilgrim safety, implement modern technologies, and hold responsible parties accountable.
We join the nation in mourning the lives lost and extend our heartfelt prayers to the grieving families. Let this tragedy not just evoke sorrow, but drive decisive action for safer pilgrimage experiences across the country.
