Visuals of the massive crowd huddled together at Harihar Fort.(screengrab-X/WokePandemic)
Nashik, Maharashtra: A viral video showing dense crowds scaling the treacherous rock-cut steps of Harihar Fort in Nashik has triggered widespread alarm on social media, with people warning that the popular trekking site could soon witness a catastrophic stampede if urgent safety measures are not put in place.
Harihar Fort, perched at an altitude of 3,676 feet in Maharashtra’s Western Ghats, is known for its steep 200-foot staircase carved directly into the hillside. The steps rise at a vertigo-inducing 60–70-degree angle, a thrilling but dangerous climb that has become increasingly popular among adventure seekers.
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A video shared by X user Woke Eminent shows scores of tourists crammed together along the narrow stone stairway, many pausing to take photos or rest at the edge, with little space between climbers. “Another major incident waiting to happen?” reads the caption. “Harihar Fort weekend crowd surge is a death trap! This needs to be stopped or moderated, else one minor stampede or someone losing balance, and it will have a cascading effect — hundreds will fall to their death.”
Another major incident waiting to happen.?
Harihar Fort weekend crowd surge is death trap!!
This needs to be stopped/moderated else One minor stampede or someone loosing balance and it will have cascading effect and hundreds will will fall to there death.
Tag related… pic.twitter.com/6y7IfU2D3J
— Woke Eminent (@WokePandemic) June 26, 2025
Netizens were quick to express outrage, not just at the crowding but at the perceived failure of local authorities to enforce safety regulations. One user pointed out that the Nashik Forest Department, which oversees the site, had previously set a 300-visitors-per-day cap and charges a fee for entry, but that these measures seem to be poorly enforced.
“After last week’s video went viral, they’ve reportedly restricted tourist entry — but what action has been taken against officials who failed to act earlier?” the X user asked.
Others blamed reckless tourists, citing a lack of personal responsibility. “Authorities can’t intervene everywhere,” one user wrote. “People need to use common sense and avoid dangerous situations. Expecting the government to guardrail every risk will only make us dumber.”
The warnings come on the heels of a tragic stampede outside Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium earlier this month, where 11 people died during celebrations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 win. The deadly consequences of poor crowd management is now echoing in the situation at Harihar Fort.
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Also known as Harshagad, Harihar Fort is a historic hill fort that draws hundreds of trekkers each week. While the climb is short in terms of distance, the vertical ascent via the iconic stone staircase makes it one of the most physically demanding and visually daunting treks in the region. The top of the fort offers sweeping views of the surrounding Sahyadri range, making it a coveted destination for both adventure lovers and photographers.
As of now, there has been no formal response from the Nashik Forest Department or local administration addressing the matter. With the monsoon season already here and footfall likely to increase, the chances of a deadly tragedy remain high.
