Uttarakhand: CM Dhami Orders Overhaul Of Temple Facilities In Wake Of Mansa Devi Stampede

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday directed officials to ensure adequate arrangements at key Uttarakhand temples witnessing a surge in devotees during the holy month of Sharwan. He instructed departments to be prepared for any emergency and to scale up facilities as required.

Dhami issued the instructions during a high-level meeting at the state secretariat with officials from all concerned departments.

Temples Witnessing Heavy Footfall to Receive Priority

Prominent religious sites experiencing high turnout include Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi temples in Haridwar, Kainchi Dham in Nainital, Jageshwar temple in Almora, and Neelkanth Mahadev temple in Pauri, among others. These temples will see increased attention and monitoring in the coming days.

CM Dhami emphasised smooth crowd management, devotee registration, wider walkways and stairs, removal of encroachments, and proper availability of basic facilities to ensure a safe and seamless darshan experience.

New Committee to Oversee Temple Management

The chief minister also directed the formation of a committee chaired by the commissioners of both divisions.

Members will include district magistrates, senior superintendents of police, vice presidents of development authorities, and representatives of implementing agencies.

Dhami highlighted the need for planned development of temple complexes, especially Mansa Devi, and urged officials to organise, strengthen, and streamline the darshan system.

This direction comes in the wake of a tragic stampede at Haridwar’s Mansa Devi temple, where eight devotees lost their lives and around 15 injured.

During the auspicious month of Sharwan, Uttarakhand sees a massive influx of pilgrims from across India, especially at prominent pilgrimage sites in Haridwar.

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