Overview

• A viral video by X user Woke Eminent has racked up over 800,000 views showing trekkers densely packed on the fort’s 200-foot rock-cut steps.
• The narrow staircase ascends at a 60–70° incline, leaving climbers little room to maneuver on the perilous trek.
• The Forest Department in Nashik had imposed a 300-visitor limit that went unenforced, raising questions about oversight and accountability.
• Following the online outcry, authorities have curtailed new admissions to Harihar Fort to prevent further overcrowding.
• Netizens warn of a potential stampede, recalling the deadly M. Chinnaswamy Stadium crowd crush and underscoring the challenge of managing footfall at remote treks.