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Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
8 dead, 28 injured in stampede at Haridwar's Mansa Devi temple
Haridwar: A stampede on the pedestrian route to Mansa Devi temple near Har Ki Pauri claimed eight lives and injured 28 others, at least four critically, on Sunday morning. Those dead were identified as Shanti Devi (60), her husband Rambharose (65), both from Badaun, UP; Sakal Dev (35) from Araria, Bihar; Arush (6), Vicky Saini (18), Vishal Kumar (19) -- all three from Rampur, UP; Vakeel Prasad (45) from Barabanki, UP; and Vipin Saini (19) from Kashipur, Udham Singh Nagar. Diksha (26) and her daughter Akankshi (4) from Rampur; Phoolmati (52), Lucknow; and Kavita (23), Baghpat, UP, are said to be in critical condition. Officials at AIIMS Rishikesh said that 15 persons were brought to the hospital, out of which, five were discharged, four admitted in ICU ward and six in other wards. More than 5,000 devotees -- mainly from UP and Bihar -- were present on the route around 8:30 am at the time of the incident, which was possibly triggered by "rumours of electrical wires causing electrocution". Videos from the spot showed a huge rush of people, including children and women, at the narrow entrance of the temple. Eyewitnesses claimed there were hardly any efforts made to control the crowd. Speaking to TOI, the area's SHO Ritesh Shah said the crowd flow was "nothing unusual" in the morning. "We've seen even larger crowds during special occasions like kanwar yatra and Ganga Dussehra. The stampede may have been caused due to rumours after a few youngsters climbed the wall, and thereafter some devotees began to panic and fell on each other. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Baking Soda Tricks Everyone Should Know About Beach Raider Undo On any given day, six police personnel are present inside the temple premises and two stationed at the entrance of the pedestrian route. " CM Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the hospital to assess the condition of the injured and announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those dead and Rs 50,000 for each injured person. He also directed Haridwar district magistrate (DM) to provide urgent relief and assistance to all the victims and their families. "The pedestrian route, starting from the Upper Road, was immediately closed after the incident to avoid additional pressure at the site. Injured persons were initially shifted to district hospital. People died of chest injuries and no one died of electrocution," said DM Mayur Dixit. The DM added that a detailed magisterial probe has been ordered. President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi were among those who expressed grief over the loss of lives in the stampede. In a post, the PM stated: "Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon." Later in the day, Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of Mansa Devi temple trust, announced Rs 5 lakh for the families of the dead and Rs 1 lakh for the injured. Considered a 'sidhpeeth', Mansa Devi temple is situated on the Bilva hilltop in Haridwar. It is accessible by ropeway as well as pedestrian route. It attracts a large number of pilgrims round the year. Earlier, the way to the temple -- located in the vicinity of Haridwar range of Rajaji Tiger Reserve -- was arduous, and pilgrims had to walk through narrow serpentine paths to the hilltop (about 1,500 feet above sea level) on foot, but later a road was laid to make the journey easier. In 1995, Haridwar civic body got a ropeway installed.
Hindustan Times
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
A day after green event, LMC red-faced
Half a dozen of the saplings planted by urban development minister AK Sharma and other officials at Laxman Mela Ground disappeared on Friday, just a day after the plantation drive, raising serious questions over the Lucknow Municipal Corporation's (LMC) planning and execution. The plantation was part of a major event on World Environment Day, Ganga Dussehra, and the birthday of chief minister Yogi Adityanath, on Thursday. Officials had planted over 30 saplings at the site. Of the 10 saplings planted in a row -- each protected by tree guards -- by minister Sharma, mayor Sushma Kharakwal and municipal commissioner Gaurav Kumar, only four remained by Friday morning. A ground report by HT on Friday morning revealed six empty pits, while the saplings were missing. However, LMC claimed that the plants were 'shifted' to another location as a large number of people visit Laxman Mela Ground during festivals. Despite the presence of top officials and the appointment of additional municipal commissioner Arun Kumar Gupta as nodal officer, LMC failed to identify a suitable location for the plantation drive. Officials acknowledged that the site is actually used for idol immersion during major festivals, and the area turned into a dumping ground just hours after the Thursday event. However, soon after the issue came to light, the LMC staff started planting the saplings again in what appeared to be a damage control effort. Criticising LMC's 'casual approach', environmentalists said inability to safeguard saplings planted in the presence of a minister would dent the credibility of regular plantation drives. Prabhunath Rai, president of Bhojpuri Samaj, claimed the saplings were removed by LMC officials themselves after realising that the site was wrongly selected. 'This is pure negligence,' Rai said. Mayor Sushma Kharakwal directed additional municipal corporation Arun Kumar Gupta to prepare and submit a detailed report. Meanwhile, LMC claimed to have planted over 1,000 saplings across the city as part of the same initiative, including those of rudraksha, banyan, amla, and kaner. The campaign also featured activities under 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' and 'Plogging for Plastic' campaigns. A human chain was also formed for environment conservation at the Gomti riverfront.
India Gazette
06-06-2025
- General
- India Gazette
NMCG marks World Environment Day with major push for river conservation
Bulandshahr (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 6 (ANI): Reaffirming its unwavering dedication to pollution control, ecological restoration, and community involvement, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) organised a vibrant event in Bulandshahr on World Environment Day. The occasion was marked by inspiring speeches, community activities, and initiatives aimed at protecting India's sacred rivers. Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil presided over the event and highlighted the three core pillars of the mission: ecological restoration, sustainable living, and technology-driven conservation. Emphasising the spiritual and environmental significance of rivers such as the Ganga, he remarked that protecting these water bodies is both a cultural duty and an urgent environmental priority. 'Through collaboration, I am confident our shared aspiration for a pristine Yamuna will be realised. On the auspicious occasion of Ganga Dussehra, I extend my heartfelt wishes to all and express deep gratitude to the workers and farmers dedicated to organic farming and preserving a clean Yamuna,' said Minister Patil. During the event, Minister Patil engaged warmly with Ganga Praharis and students, who shared innovative eco-friendly initiatives. A cleanliness drive at the ghat involving volunteers and municipal staff demonstrated a strong community commitment to river conservation. A street play captivated the audience by emphasising personal responsibility and the Ganga's profound spiritual and ecological significance. Minister Patil also inaugurated a workshop on natural farming and agricultural innovation, attended by farmers, experts, and students. The workshop focused on chemical-free farming practices, soil health, and combating climate change. Rajeev Kumar Mital, Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga, reinforced that conserving the Ganga and its tributaries is a shared responsibility that safeguards India's cultural heritage and ensures clean water for future generations. He praised the Namami Gange programme for its transformative impact, noting that over Rs 40,000 crore has been invested across nearly 500 projects nationwide to rejuvenate water resources and ecosystems. Krishi Sakhi, Nilima Sharma shared her experience, and said, 'Initially, we struggled financially with organic farming, but today, we are profitable and recognised throughout our district. I encourage other farmers to embrace this sustainable path.' The National Mission for Clean Ganga continues to champion river revival, sustainable agriculture, and grassroots engagement, paving a vibrant path toward a cleaner, greener tomorrow. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
06-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Six, including two minors, rescued from drowning in Yamunanagar canal
Six people, including two minors, were rescued from drowning at the Visarjan Ghat of the Western Yamuna Canal (WJC) in Yamunanagar on Thursday during Ganga Dussehra celebrations. The group comprised two women, two minor boys, a temple priest, and his son. According to Neha, a resident of Saharanpur, the families had gathered at the ghat to take a ritual dip in the Yamuna when some members decided to wade deeper into the canal, believing the current was slow. Diver Rajeev, who assisted in the rescue, said the women initially returned to the bank, but the boys stayed longer in the water and began to drown. Hearing their cries, the women jumped back in to save them but were unable to swim. A nearby temple priest tried to rescue the women but also struggled to return to the riverbank. His son then rushed in to help. 'We were nearby and immediately dived in. We first pulled out the boys, who were on the verge of drowning, and then rescued the others with the help of locals,' Rajeev said.
Deccan Herald
06-06-2025
- Deccan Herald
June 6, 2025: Best photos from around the world
A Shikarawala near parked Shikaras at Dal Lake as Kashmir continues to sees low footfall of tourists, in Srinagar Credit: PTI Photo A Saraiki woman shapes and arranges bricks in Shujabad, Pakistan Credit: Reuters Photo Pigeons sit in the shade on a wall during a hot summer day, in Mumbai Credit: PTI Photo Igatpuri tunnel on the Samruddhi Mahamarg on the day of the inauguration of its final 76-km-long stretch, at Igatpuri in Nashik district, Maharashtra Credit: PTI Photo Priests perform 'Ganga Aarti' during Ganga Dussehra celebration at Dashashwamedh Ghat, in Varanasi
