High-Speed Boat Crash Near Dhari Devi Temple Triggers Nationwide Safety Debate

On February 15, 2026, a viral video showing a high-speed collision between two motorboats on the Alaknanda River near the revered Dhari Devi Temple in Uttarakhand’s Pauri district sparked a nationwide debate over river safety and adventure tourism protocols.

The footage shows two motorboats travelling in the same direction when the front vessel suddenly veers left into the path of a trailing boat attempting to overtake at speed. Within seconds, the boats collide forcefully.

The impact caused one boat to spin uncontrollably and reportedly threw a boat operator into the river. According to reports, the operator jumped into the water moments before the crash to save himself and was later rescued by nearby locals.

Fortunately, no passengers were on board at the time of the incident. No injuries or fatalities have been reported.

The near-miss has reignited concerns over river navigation and adventure sports safety in the region:

Coordination Gaps: Preliminary inputs suggest lack of coordination between boat operators and strong river currents may have contributed to the accident.

Safety Protocols Under Review: Authorities are reviewing existing safety standards amid public demands for stricter regulations, mandatory certified training for operators and regular equipment audits.

Sensitive Location: The Dhari Devi Temple is a high-footfall pilgrimage site. Experts warn that such incidents pose significant risks to tourists and could impact the religious sanctity of the area.

The incident has intensified calls for tighter oversight of commercial boating activities on the Alaknanda River, particularly in high-traffic religious zones.

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