Kanwar Yatra 2025: Uttarakhand govt rolls out strict food safety protocols

Ahead of the Kanwar Yatra 2025, the Uttarakhand government has implemented a comprehensive action plan to ensure the availability of pure and safe food for lakhs of devotees, according to an official statement.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Health Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, the Health Department has deployed dedicated teams of food safety officers across five key districts—Haridwar, Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, and Uttarkashi. These teams will regularly collect samples of milk, sweets, oil, spices, and beverages from food stalls and pandals set up along the yatra route, and send them for laboratory testing.

“If any sample does not meet the standards, the concerned place will be closed immediately,” the statement said.

Additional Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration, Tajbar Singh Jaggi, emphasised the state’s zero-tolerance approach toward unlicensed food operators. “The government has made it clear that no leniency will be shown against those doing food business without a license. Those who adulterate or violate the rules will have to face financial penalties as well as criminal action,” he said.

Health Secretary and Commissioner, Food Safety and Drug Administration, R Rajesh Kumar, said that strict directions have been issued to all food vendors, including hotels, dhabas, and carts, operating along the yatra route.

“In this regard, some important mandatory instructions have been given to all the hotels, dhabas, carts, and other food traders present on the travel routes. Every food trader will have to put a clean copy of their license or registration certificate at a prominent place in their establishment, so that consumers can easily see it,” he said.

He added that smaller vendors and cart owners must also display their photo identity cards and registration certificates. In addition, each food outlet must install a 'Food Safety Display Board' in a clearly visible location.

“‘Food Safety Display Board’ should also be installed in hotels, eateries, dhabas and restaurants at a clearly visible place, so that the customer can know who is responsible for the quality of food,” the statement said.

Violators will face legal consequences under Section 55 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. “Action will be taken against businessmen who do not follow these instructions under Section 55 of the Food Safety Act 2006, in which a fine of up to ₹2 lakh can be imposed,” the statement added.

“All concerned officials should ensure that these orders are strictly followed. There will be no compromise with the health of the devotees,” it said.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to public health during the pilgrimage, Kumar stated, “There will be no compromise on the quality of food items being served at pandals, 'bhandaras' and other food centres during the Kanwar Yatra. Immediate legal action will be taken against adulterators and those who tamper with the standards. The health of the pilgrims is the top priority.”