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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : In a significant move to ensure the safety and regulatory compliance of services provided during the annual Kanwar Yatra, the Uttarakhand government has issued a strict mandate: all eateries operating along the sacred pilgrimage route must prominently display their food licenses. Failure to comply will result in stringent action, underscoring the state's commitment to pilgrim welfare and public health.

The Kanwar Yatra, an annual pilgrimage where devotees of Lord Shiva collect holy water from the Ganges River, draws millions of participants from various states. The route, particularly through Uttarakhand, becomes a bustling corridor of activity, with numerous temporary and permanent food stalls catering to the pilgrims. This high volume of foot traffic and rapid setup of food vendors necessitate robust regulatory oversight to prevent health hazards.

The directive from the state government, specifically the Food Safety Department, aims to ensure that all food establishments – from small dhaba-style eateries to larger restaurants – adhere to food safety and hygiene standards. By making license display mandatory, the authorities are enhancing transparency and enabling pilgrims and officials alike to verify the legitimacy and compliance of the food outlets.

Key aspects of the government's mandate include:

  1. Prominent Display: Licenses must be visible at all times, making it easy for anyone to check.
  2. Strict Action: Non-compliance will lead to severe penalties, which could range from fines to immediate closure of the establishments.
  3. Public Health Focus: The primary goal is to safeguard the health of the millions of pilgrims, preventing food-borne illnesses during the arduous journey.
  4. Ensuring Quality: This measure is also expected to encourage better quality control and hygiene practices among vendors.

The move comes as part of broader efforts by the Uttarakhand government to manage the massive pilgrimage efficiently and safely. It reflects a proactive approach to public health during large-scale religious gatherings, ensuring that the spiritual journey is not marred by preventable health incidents. Food safety inspectors are expected to conduct regular checks along the route to enforce the new directive.


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