The Uttarakhand government has launched a special campaign to ensure clean and safe food supply ahead of the Char Dham Yatra, Hemkund Sahib Yatra, and the peak tourism season. Under the directives of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Health Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has intensified inspections, crackdowns on adulteration, and hygiene awareness initiatives. Commissioner Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar stated that officials have been deployed to strictly enforce food safety measures.
Strict Monitoring and Deployment of Food Safety Officials
The state government has formulated a strategic plan to maintain food safety across Char Dham Yatra and tourist destinations. Permanent food safety officers have been deployed in districts such as Haridwar, Nainital, Dehradun, Tehri, and Udham Singh Nagar, while additional officers will be stationed in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Pithoragarh. Regular inspections will be conducted at hotels, roadside eateries, restaurants, and sweet shops along pilgrimage routes. Mobile testing labs will be deployed to monitor food quality on highways and travel routes. Dr. Rajesh Kumar assured that unhygienic or adulterated food will not be tolerated and violators will face strict action.
Crackdown on Adulteration and Strict Quality Checks
Laboratory tests will be conducted on dairy products, spices, oils, flour, sweets, packaged foods, and soft drinks. Legal action will be taken under the FSSAI Act 2006 against those found guilty of food adulteration. Unregistered or unlicensed food businesses will be penalized. Food business operators have been instructed to maintain strict hygiene and quality standards. Dr. Rajesh Kumar emphasized that the top priority is to provide pure and safe food for devotees and tourists.
Promoting Green Travel and Environmental Protection
To ensure an eco-friendly pilgrimage season, the state government has imposed a complete ban on single-use plastics. Separate dustbins for wet and dry waste will be mandatory along travel routes. Hotels and eateries will have to comply with strict waste management regulations. Used cooking oil will be recycled under the RUCO (Re-Purpose of Used Cooking Oil) initiative.
Awareness Campaign and Safety Guidelines
Pilgrims are advised to purchase food only from FSSAI-licensed vendors. Complaints about unhygienic or suspicious food can be reported to the helpline number 18001804246. Business owners must adhere to hygiene standards, failing which legal action will be taken. Dr. Rajesh Kumar urged travelers and residents to consume only safe and hygienic food and report any violations immediately.
Enforcement of Strict Regulations
Unlicensed food businesses will face fines and closure orders, while those selling adulterated or substandard food will be penalized under the FSSAI Act 2006. Food prepared or sold in unhygienic conditions will attract heavy fines.
Government’s Appeal: Safe and Clean Pilgrimage
The Uttarakhand government and the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department have urged all devotees, tourists, and locals to prioritize clean and quality food. Dr. Rajesh Kumar assured that the government is fully committed to ensuring food safety during the Char Dham Yatra and tourism season, calling for public cooperation in maintaining hygiene standards.
