Kanwar Yatra Regulations Spark Debate in Uttarakhand welcome his plan..
Dehradun: The upcoming Kanwar Yatra to Haridwar has sparked a debate after Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that every business along the yatra route must publicly display identification details of the owners.
Thousands of Kanwariyas, devotees oford Shiva conver at Haridwar for a holy dip in the Ganga to profess their divine oblation every year.
Dhami clarified that this measure is intended to maintain law and order and not to target or harm anyone.
Residents in Dehradun, however, believe that such regulations should be extended beyond the Kanwar Yatra route to the entire state.
Prashant Baluni, a resident of Dehradun, highlighted the need for transparency in property ownership, especially in areas like the UPES Bidholi region, where hostels and PGs frequently change hands without clear records.
He stressed that knowing the identity of property owners is crucial for safety and preventing potential criminal activities.
The recent introduction of the Gross Environmental Product Index (GEPI) in Uttarakhand aims to balance ecological preservation with economic development, supporting better coordination of developmental projects.
Additionally, the state cabinet's decision to enact strict laws against the misuse of the names of Uttarakhand's revered dhams has been welcomed by the Chaar Dhaam Teerth Purohit Mahapanchayat, affirming the government's commitment to respecting public sentiments.
Congress leader Kapil Sibal criticized the identification measure, calling it outdated and suggesting it be implemented statewide to address broader issues.
He also pointed out the inconsistency in Dehradun's smart city project, where shop signs lack owner names, questioning the selective application of such rules.
NGOs have also raised concerns about waste management during the Kanwar Yatra, urging the government to implement stringent measures to prevent the heaps of trash left behind by pilgrims, as seen in previous years.
They emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to keep the Ganga clean and manage the influx of lakhs of kanwariyas responsibly.
