Haridwar, July 27, 2025 — In a devastating turn of events, a stampede at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar claimed the lives of at least eight pilgrims and left several others injured. The tragedy unfolded early Sunday morning, amid a massive surge of devotees during the holy month of Shravan.
Panic Sparked by Electric Wire Rumor
According to officials, the chaos began around 8:30 AM on the steep staircase leading up to the temple. A rumor quickly spread that an overhead electric cable had snapped and fallen near the crowd. Fear of electrocution caused widespread panic, triggering a rush that resulted in people tripping and falling over each other.
“Just 20-25 steps before the temple premises, the crowd became uncontrollable,” said one eyewitness, who lost sight of two family members during the chaos.
Authorities React Swiftly
Haridwar SSP Pramendra Singh Dobal stated, “We received initial reports of people being injured. Rescue teams responded immediately. Around 35 individuals were rushed to the hospital. Unfortunately, six were declared dead initially, and two more succumbed later. The rest are receiving treatment.”
“Prima facie, it appears the stampede was caused by a rumor of electric shock. Investigations are ongoing,” he added.
CM Dhami Monitors Situation
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took to social media platform X to confirm that the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and medical teams were at the site. He assured the public that the situation was under control and being closely monitored.
“I’m in constant contact with local authorities. Relief efforts are underway. My condolences to the families of the deceased,” Dhami wrote.
Shravan Pilgrimage and Crowd Surge
Each year during Shravan, millions of devotees flock to Haridwar, especially to iconic sites like Har Ki Pauri and Mansa Devi Temple. While the spiritual significance draws huge crowds, inadequate crowd management and infrastructure often lead to risks during peak days.
Officials had expected large numbers this weekend, but crowd regulation measures seemed insufficient to handle the pressure on narrow temple routes.
Recurring Challenge of Crowd Management
This tragic incident has once again put the spotlight on the urgent need for modern crowd control strategies at religious events. Experts have long warned about the dangers of uncontrolled crowds at sacred sites, particularly during festivals.
Recent recommendations by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) include digital tracking, drone monitoring, and designated emergency exits — measures that are still missing in several pilgrimage hubs.
Voices from the Ground
Many pilgrims were visibly shaken. “I fell down and others fell over me,” said a survivor. “It was terrifying. I thought I wouldn’t make it.”
Volunteers and locals were quick to step in before official teams arrived. “We tried to lift people and pull them out of the pile,” said one temple shopkeeper.
Ongoing Rescue and Next Steps
As of now, rescue operations are complete, and authorities are working to identify victims and reunite separated families. The administration has promised compensation for the deceased and injured.
Officials have also announced plans to review safety protocols and possibly install crowd barriers and additional CCTV surveillance at all major religious spots in Haridwar.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call
This heart-wrenching tragedy is a reminder of the dangers lurking in large, unregulated gatherings. While faith draws crowds, safety must never be compromised. Urgent reforms are needed to prevent such disasters in the future and honor the lives lost at the sacred shrine of Mansa Devi.
