Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra: The Char Dham Yatra to the four shrines of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath is set to begin on May 10. The state administration is looking after all the necessary arrangements for a hassle-free experience for the devotees and visitors. However, every season the local authorities receive complaints regarding unhygienic hotels and food outlets, particularly on Yatra routes.
Read More: RBI greenlights Sanjeev Nautiyal as CEO of Ujjivan Small Finance Bank
In view of the same, the Uttarakhand government has taken strict steps to ensure devotees get quality and hygienic food on the Yatra routes. This year, the administration will take action against those who fail to sell food in accordance with the food safety standard.
Moreover, the hotel owners and shopkeepers will be punished if they ignore the safety standards. The concerned food department officials will also be punished.
Regarding this matter, Dr R Rajesh Kumar, the commissioner of the Food Safety and Drug Administration, emphasised that hotel operators who jeopardize pilgrims’ health will face severe consequences. In this regard, he has also given the officials instructions on how to carry out the action plan. This action plan will guarantee hygienic and quality standards.
Read More: Nepal to introduce new currency note featuring disputed territories with India
Health Of Hotel Staffs To Be Routinely Monitored
The State Department of food safety reports that staff health and hygiene at hotels and restaurants would be routinely inspected. Food products that are stale or open shouldn’t be sold, according to Dr R Rajesh Kumar. In addition, guidelines have been provided to guarantee that the dhaba workers’ health is routinely assessed and that their medical records are accessible. The responsible authorities of every district have received directives from the secretary of medical health and medical education to guarantee the quality of food products served along the Yatra route. As a result, those involved in the food industry are required to post the food safety display board in accordance with regulations at their locations.
Read More: Startup funding in India declined by 17 per cent in FY24
Sample Testing To Be Done At Rudrapur Lab
The state’s food and drug analysis laboratory in Rudrapur has been directed to test the samples taken from the Char-Dham yatra as soon as possible in order to monitor the quality of the food along the yatra route and analyse the food sample.
Also, weekly testing results for samples will be made accessible, and those found guilty will face harsh consequences based on these findings.
