Rudraprayag – Ahead of the upcoming Char Dham Yatra, the district administration has decided to introduce a star rating and green badge system for hotels, dhabas and other establishments operating along the Kedarnath Yatra route. The decision was taken during a review meeting chaired by District Magistrate Prateek Jain at the NIC auditorium.
The meeting was attended by departmental officials, urban local bodies and concerned agencies to discuss an action plan for scientific disposal, collection and recycling of waste generated during the pilgrimage period. The District Magistrate reviewed the progress of earlier measures and directed officials to further strengthen solid waste management this year.
He instructed departments to promote waste disposal through a Deposit Refund Scheme, encouraging pilgrims to return plastic bottles, wrappers and other recyclable items. The administration aims to reduce littering by linking refunds and incentives to proper waste return mechanisms.
District Magistrate Prateek Jain also directed that local traders, hotel associations, shopkeepers and other stakeholders be actively involved in the cleanliness campaign through large-scale awareness programmes. Officials were asked to ensure visible messaging across the route.
To spread awareness, QR codes, signboards, hoardings, printed tickets carrying cleanliness messages, public announcements and audio-visual tools will be used to communicate the message of not littering and protecting the environment.
The District Magistrate further directed that star ratings and green badging be introduced to encourage better sanitation standards in hotels, eateries and other establishments along the Yatra route. At the same time, strict action will be taken against those found spreading litter. He also emphasised strict compliance with food safety and hygiene standards and called for involving dandi-kandi and horse-mule operators in spreading cleanliness awareness among pilgrims.
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The administration stated that coordinated efforts from all departments and stakeholders will be crucial to ensuring environmentally responsible conduct during the Kedarnath Yatra.
