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Haridwar: Days after a stampede at Haridwar’s revered Mansa Devi temple claimed eight lives, the district administration has launched a major change in the darshan system at both Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi temples, prioritizing the safety of pilgrims through technology and structured planning.
On Sunday morning, eight people died and more than 30 were injured during a stampede at Haridwar’s Mansa Devi temple on Sunday. The stampede happened on the stairs when the crowd got too big and people panicked. Now, the temple stairs are closed and devotees will use the ramp to reach the temple safely.
The staircase has now been closed to the public
In the aftermath, Haridwar district magistrate Mayur Dixit conducted a site inspection and issued new directives to avoid further incidents. The staircase has now been closed to the public, and the ramp route—previously used by elderly devotees—has been declared the primary access point to the temple. The ropeway remains operational, while the stairway is reserved for emergency use only. Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) also removed loose wires hanging around the temples.
AI-based CCTV cameras will be installed
To better control crowds and improve real-time monitoring, AI-based CCTV cameras will be installed at strategic points in the temple complex. These smart cameras will count devotees and analyze crowd density, allowing authorities to regulate entry before dangerous congestion forms.
“The goal is not just technological intervention, but also scientific assessment,” said District Magistrate Dixit. He emphasized that a study will determine the safe carrying capacity of both temple premises. This data will help ensure that only a manageable number of devotees enter the temples at a time.
To support this overhaul, a joint meeting has been called between the temple committee, police, forest department, and district administration. The meeting will finalize a detailed plan addressing entry-exit routes, waiting areas, first aid stations, and a structured darshan queue system. The ramp route will be upgraded with basic amenities like shade, water, signage, and medical support for the convenience of pilgrims.
Scientific study to determine the maximum safe capacity of both temple premises
A scientific study will also be conducted to determine the maximum safe capacity of both temple premises. Based on this, entry will be regulated so that only a manageable number of devotees are allowed inside at any given time. To coordinate these changes, a joint meeting has been called involving the temple committee, police, forest department, and district administration. The meeting will finalize plans for entry-exit routes, waiting areas, first aid stations, and emergency response systems.
Staff would be trained to coordinate with crowd-monitoring systems
A member of the temple committee confirmed that staff would be trained to coordinate with crowd-monitoring systems. Police presence is also likely to increase on high-footfall days and during festivals. Forest department officials will ensure that safety measures do not interfere with protected green zones or wildlife corridors. The stampede has brought renewed focus to the challenge of managing religious tourism in Uttarakhand, which attracts lakhs of visitors every month.
Administration has also removed encroachments from the temple
The administration has also removed encroachments from the temple path and designated it as a one-way route to streamline movement and reduce crowding. Basic facilities like drinking water, shade, signage, and medical support will be added along the ramp route.
