Haridwar Authorities Mandate Owner ID Display During Kanwar Yatra

Haridwar's District Magistrate announced that eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route must display owner names, aiming for transparency and public convenience. This initiative ensures safety and accountability during the sacred pilgrimage of Lord Shiva devotees starting on July 22.

The Haridwar Police Administration, in a move to enhance transparency and public convenience, has directed eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their respective owners. Haridwar District Magistrate (DM) Dhiraj Singh Garbyal stated on Saturday that this measure allows the public to know the details of the food outlet's owner. The Kanwar Yatra, a sacred pilgrimage of devotees of Lord Shiva, is set to commence on July 22.

'This is for people's convenience. They should know who owns the hotel and who is preparing the food. Similar to market shops displaying owner names, this move is to ensure convenience,' DM Garbyal remarked, speaking to ANI. Arrangements such as drinking water, clean toilet facilities, and adequate lighting are being made for the devotees, he added.

In Uttar Pradesh, hotel, dhaba, and tea stall owners along the Kanwar route have already been directed to write their names on their outlets. Following suit, Uttarakhand has mandated that owners and workers at hotels, restaurants, and roadside dhabas verify their identities during the Kanwar fair. Haridwar SSP Padmendra Dobal confirmed this, noting that failure to comply would result in legal consequences. This directive comes from the need to resolve disputes and maintain order during the pilgrimage.

Previously, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath required food and beverage shops along Kanwar routes to display the name and identity of the operator/owner to uphold the sanctity of the pilgrimage. The directive also includes actions against sellers of halal-certified products. While the initiative has sparked political controversy, drawing criticism from opposition parties for allegedly targeting one community, authorities maintain the measures are for the greater good of the pilgrims' experience.