Uttarakhand issues 9-point safety plan for pilgrims after Haridwar stampede tragedy

After the tragic stampede at Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar on July 27 that claimed eight lives and left over 30 injured, the Uttarakhand government has decided to prepare a 9-point master safety plan for all major religious shrines in the state. The goal is to prevent similar accidents and ensure that pilgrims can visit temples safely and comfortably.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that every year, crores of devotees come to Uttarakhand for pilgrimage. The government will now take stronger steps to make their journey more organized and safe. The plan includes modern crowd control measures, better infrastructure, emergency systems, and clear guidance for visitors.

Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu has directed the tourism department to start work on this plan immediately. The government will also form a high-level committee to make sure all aspects of crowd management and safety are addressed properly.

Government orders master plan for safer pilgrimages

One of the biggest features of this new safety plan is the introduction of a modern crowd control system. This will help manage the large number of visitors that come during peak seasons. The carrying capacity (maximum number of people that a site can safely handle) of each religious site will also be measured scientifically to avoid overcrowding.

To prevent congestion, the government will create separate entry and exit routes for pilgrims. Extra waiting areas will be built near temples so people don’t gather too closely around the main premises.

The plan also includes the setup of emergency evacuation systems in case of any unfortunate events. A clear and well-organized information system will be created to help pilgrims find their way and understand safety procedures.

Better parking arrangements will be provided to reduce traffic jams around temples. More security staff will be deployed to maintain peace and help in emergencies.

The plan is not limited to Haridwar. In the first phase, five temples will be studied by expert teams in crowd management and civil engineering. These include Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi, Neelkanth Mahadev, Kainchi Dham, and Purnagiri. The aim is to study what improvements are needed at each site and implement them quickly.

Expert surveys and crowd control to prevent future tragedies

To ensure the success of the safety plan, the government has asked the divisional commissioners of Garhwal and Kumaon to help with planning and execution. These officers will act as nodal officers to supervise improvements and follow expert advice.

Officials have also been asked to remove illegal encroachments on pilgrimage routes so pilgrims can move freely and safely.

Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan has instructed authorities to begin expert-led crowd management surveys at temples that usually have high footfalls. These surveys will help identify risks and suggest better arrangements to avoid stampedes or other accidents.

Stampedes during religious gatherings are not new to Uttarakhand. In the past, many lives were lost due to poor crowd control and weak infrastructure:

• On 15 July 1996, 21 people died in a stampede near Har-Ki-Pauri in Haridwar.

• On 14 April 2010, seven lives were lost at Birla Ghat during the Mahakumbh Mela when a bridge wall collapsed.

• On 9 November 2011, 16 devotees died and over 50 were injured at Shantikunj in Haridwar during a major event.

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To avoid such tragedies in the future, the government wants to ensure that temples are well prepared to handle large gatherings. The 9-point safety master plan will focus not just on infrastructure, but also on planning, coordination, and quick response systems.

The move has been welcomed by the public, especially after the recent tragedy in Haridwar. The government is expected to announce more detailed steps in the coming weeks as planning begins. This safety plan is a big step towards ensuring that pilgrims can continue to worship and celebrate their faith without fear or risk.