'Ensuring Pure, Saatvik Food Top Priority', Says CM Dhami As Uttarakhand Enforces Strict Rules For Food Vendors On Kanwar Yatra Routes

In preparation for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra, the Uttarakhand government has ordered all food vendors along the pilgrimage route to visibly display their licence or registration certificates, Indian Express reported.

Shops failing to do so will be shut down by the administration.

On Tuesday (1 July), Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Health Minister Dhan Singh Rawat said the step is part of a “stringent and dedicated action plan” aimed at ensuring clean, safe food for the lakhs of devotees expected in the Yatra.

The government will also roll out a large-scale surveillance campaign to enforce food safety.

R Rajesh Kumar, Health Secretary and Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration, said that mandatory guidelines have been circulated to all food outlets, including hotels, dhabas, and stalls, along the yatra route.

“Every food vendor must prominently display a clean copy of their licence or registration certificate on their premises for consumers to see. Small vendors and hawkers must also carry and display a photo identity card and registration certificate. Hotels, eateries, dhabas, and restaurants must install a clearly visible ‘Food Safety Display Board’ so that customers know who is responsible for food quality,” said a government statement.

Non-compliance will invite action under Section 55 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which includes a fine of up to Rs 2 lakh.

The Kanwar Yatra is slated to begin on 11 July.

Speaking to media persons on Wednesday, CM Dhami said that honouring the faith of the Kanwariyas arriving in the state is the government's top priority.

"During the holy month of Shravan, crores of devotees visit the divine land of Uttarakhand for the Kanwar Yatra. Respecting the religious sentiments and faith of the devotees arriving in the state is our highest priority, and our government is fully committed to ensuring they receive pure, sattvic, and clean food," Dhami said.

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