A sudden landslide triggered by heavy rainfall caused significant structural damage to religious sites and temporarily disrupted railway operations in Haridwar during the early hours of August 7, 2026. The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 AM when large boulders and debris cascaded from the hillside, impacting the infrastructure near a railway tunnel and the Bhimgoda area.
- Event timing: August 7, 2026, at 2:30 AM.
- Impact: Damage to the ancient Kali Mandir and the Kali Mata Temple spire.
- Railway status: Tracks were obstructed by debris but have since been cleared.
- Casualties: None reported as the premises were unoccupied.
Railway Operations and Recovery
The landslide, caused by the saturation of mountain soil from heavy rain over the preceding two days, resulted in debris spilling onto the adjacent railway track. Railway officials responded immediately to the site to assess the situation and initiate rescue and clearance operations. Thanks to the rapid deployment of resources, the track was successfully cleared of stones and debris overnight, ensuring that railway traffic was restored without long-term delays for passengers.
Safety Measures and Local Alert
While the temple structures sustained damage to their domes and walls, officials confirmed that there were no casualties during the incident. Following the event, District Magistrate Pauri, Swati S. Bhadoria, emphasized the need for caution as river levels continue to rise due to ongoing weather conditions. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local disaster management teams remain on high alert. Authorities have issued public warnings via loudspeakers, urging residents and pilgrims to avoid riverbanks and stay away from vulnerable, landslide-prone areas. Efforts are currently underway to stabilize the damaged spire of the Kali Mata Temple as the region remains under close monitoring for further potential movement in the soil.