Uttarakhand gears up for Green Chardham Yatra with eco-friendly measures

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced that this year’s Chardham Yatra will be conducted with a renewed focus on environmental sustainability under the banner of a "Green Chardham Yatra," according to a release from the Chief Minister’s Office.

He stated that the government's objective is not only to ensure clean surroundings and hygienic food for pilgrims but also to curb the use of single-use plastic at pilgrimage sites. “We are working on the principle of reducing, reusing, and recycling single-use plastic,” said CM Dhami. He stressed the importance of collective cooperation from pilgrims, local residents, and food vendors in achieving this goal.

As part of this initiative, pilgrims can expect clean and nutritious food at hotels and dhabas along the Yatra route. There is also an active push to minimize the use of oil, salt, and sugar in meals served to travelers. “In view of this resolution, this time, the pilgrims will not only get clean and pure food in the hotels and dhabas of the Chardham Yatra route, but the hoteliers will also try to reduce the use of oil, salt, and sugar in the food,” Dhami said.

To implement these measures, the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has begun conducting awareness and training sessions with food businesses ahead of the Yatra’s commencement. CM Dhami has directed all departments to ensure the pilgrimage aligns with the Green Yatra theme.

Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration, Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar, said, “In these workshops, hoteliers are being appealed to reduce the use of oil, salt and sugar in their food. This will be especially convenient for travelers suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure.”

In line with the 'Eat Right Campaign', hotels are also being encouraged to turn used cooking oil into biofuel rather than reuse it excessively. “Hoteliers are also being encouraged to cooperate in environmental protection by discouraging the use of single-use plastics, such as water bottles and wrappers,” Dr. Kumar added.

Deputy Commissioner (Headquarters) Ganesh Kandwal confirmed that training sessions have already taken place in Rishikesh, Srinagar, and Rudraprayag. He added that similar programs will be held in locations such as Uttarkashi, Chamba, and Haridwar before the Yatra begins.

Authorities are also urging vendors to include local food items and millets in their offerings to promote healthier and regionally sourced diets.