In preparation for the annual Kanwar Yatra, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has issued strict directives to officials, emphasizing the need to prevent any recurrence of incidents referred to as "spit jihad". The Kanwar Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 11 and last until July 23, attracts thousands of Lord Shiva devotees from across India to collect holy Ganga water from Haridwar.
The term "spit jihad" gained traction after videos circulated showing individuals allegedly spitting into food, sparking outrage and communal tensions. To prevent such incidents, the Uttarakhand government is taking stringent measures to ensure food hygiene and safety along the Kanwar Yatra route.
One of the key directives issued by CM Dhami is that all owners of dhabas, restaurants, hotels, and roadside eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route must prominently display their food licenses. Shops failing to do so will face closure. This measure aims to ensure hygienic practices and accountability.
The government will also launch an extensive surveillance campaign to monitor food safety. Special teams of food safety officers will be deployed in districts including Haridwar, Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, and Uttarkashi. These teams will collect samples of milk, sweets, oil, spices, beverages, and other items from food stalls and send them to laboratories for testing. Any establishment found to be selling substandard food will be shut down immediately.
In addition to displaying food licenses, hotels, eateries, dhabas, and restaurants must install a clearly visible 'Food Safety Display Board' so that customers know who is responsible for food quality. Small vendors and hawkers must also carry and display a photo identity card and registration certificate. Those failing to comply with these guidelines will face action under Section 55 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which includes a fine of up to Rs 2 lakh.
CM Dhami has also urged pilgrims to follow the Yatra guidelines, including avoiding sound pollution by playing loud music and keeping the size of the Kanwar within prescribed limits. The Uttarakhand government is taking several steps to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage for the devotees. About 15,000 security personnel will be deployed, and Haridwar and nearby areas have been divided into zones and sectors for security. Drones and CCTV cameras will be used for surveillance, and social media will be monitored to prevent the spread of misleading information.
To facilitate the Yatra, the government will deploy mobile toilets, water facilities, and special vehicles for waste disposal every 1-2 km within a 30 km radius of Haridwar, Roorkee, and Rishikesh. Health centers, ambulances, and medical staff will be available every 5 kilometers. The Uttarakhand Kanwar Seva App will provide all necessary details to the Kanwariyas.
The Delhi-Dehradun highway (NH-58) will be closed for regular traffic, and vehicles will be diverted to alternate routes. Dedicated lanes will be created for the Kanwariyas on the Delhi-Dehradun expressway, with restrictions on regular traffic. Liquor and meat shops on the Yatra routes will remain closed to avoid disputes.
The Kanwar Yatra is a significant pilgrimage, and the Uttarakhand government is committed to ensuring a safe, clean, and secure experience for all devotees. By implementing strict measures and guidelines, the government aims to prevent any untoward incidents and maintain the sanctity of the Yatra.
