Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted an aerial survey of the Kawad Yatra route to oversee preparations for the pilgrimage [1, 2].
The move aims to prevent recurring controversies regarding food stalls and ensure that Kawadiyas face no inconvenience during their journey [1, 2].
During the review of the Meerut-Muzaffarnagar stretch, the chief minister said there is a ban on non-vegetarian dhabas using the name “Ganesh dhaba” [1, 2]. This directive is part of a broader implementation of a name-plate model for all dhabas operating along the route [1, 2].
By requiring clear identification on signage, the administration seeks to avoid disputes over the type of food being served. This strategy follows previous years where the presence of non-vegetarian food at stalls on the pilgrimage route led to tensions among devotees [1, 2].
Local authorities are now tasked with ensuring that all eateries comply with the new naming and labeling standards. The aerial survey allowed the chief minister to assess the infrastructure and security arrangements across the specific corridor [1].
The government said the measures are necessary to maintain peace and order during the high-traffic event. Officials are monitoring the stretch to ensure that the transition to the name-plate system is completed before the pilgrimage begins [1, 2].
“CM Yogi Adityanath conducted an aerial survey of the Kawad Yatra route”
The mandate for dhabas to display clear name plates and the restriction on specific naming conventions for non-vegetarian stalls represent an attempt by the Uttar Pradesh government to preemptively manage communal and religious sensitivities. By regulating the visual and operational identity of roadside eateries, the state aims to reduce the likelihood of spontaneous protests or clashes that have historically occurred when pilgrims encounter non-vegetarian food on the sacred route.
