The death toll in the tragic stampede at Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar rose to eight on Sunday, with over 30 people injured, according to the district administration. The incident occurred around 9:00 a.m. as a large crowd of devotees attempted to ascend the nearly 800 steps to the hilltop shrine.
Rescue operations were swiftly launched by personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the fire brigade, who responded immediately to the scene.
Eyewitnesses described the chaos. “Just 20–25 steps before reaching the temple, the crowd became uncontrollable. I fell along with 10–12 others. I’ve found three family members, but two are still missing,” one injured devotee told ANI. Another recounted suffering a fractured hand in the sudden crush of the crowd.
Mahant Ravindra Puri, President of the Mansa Devi Mandir Trust, explained that although barricades were set up and police were informed, the overwhelming crowd on the ancient pedestrian route from Har Ki Pauri led to the stampede after someone slipped. He clarified that the incident was not caused by electrocution, as had been speculated.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pramendra Singh Dobhal confirmed that a one-way system for temple access will now be implemented to control crowd flow. “SP City has been appointed as the nodal officer with additional authority to strengthen security arrangements,” he said. A case has been registered in connection with the incident.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has ordered a magisterial inquiry and announced ex-gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended condolences and announced similar financial aid for victims from his state.
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other national leaders expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
Later in the evening, the Mansa Devi Temple was reopened to devotees under heightened security. Haridwar District Magistrate Mayur Dixit confirmed, “The site has been inspected, and further details will emerge after the magistrate-level probe. Additional forces will be deployed to manage the crowd.”
The stampede took place during the holy month of Sawan, which sees a massive influx of pilgrims to Haridwar, particularly to the revered Mansa Devi shrine.
