PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
In a major crackdown, the Dehradun district administration has cancelled the registration of 96 homestays found to be violating regulations. The district administration has also commenced the removal of these homestays from the State tourism website.
This action was taken at the direction of district magistrate Savin Bansal. The DM informed that months have seen an increase in criminal incidents, including drunken driving and speeding, largely attributed to the illegal operation of bars in homestays. These establishments have become hubs for loud music, drug abuse and other unlawful activities, posing a threat to public safety due to the presence of unruly individuals, he said.
The DM said that tourists and individuals with disruptive behaviours are being accommodated in these establishments without adhering to prescribed procedures. Many homestays are being leased out, exacerbating the law and order challenges in the district. Reports of disruptive individuals causing disturbances, speeding under the influence of alcohol and cases of gunfire have also emerged. He said that the primary objective of the Homestay Scheme is to promote local culture, traditional cuisines and increase the income of local residents. However, inspections revealed that many homestays were being operated like hotels or commercial enterprises, resulting in chaos that negatively impacts law and order, he said. DM informed following his directives, regional committees were established to inspect registered homestays in the urban areas of the Sahaspur and Raipur development blocks. After these inspections, it was determined that 96 homestays were violating the Uttarakhand Homestay Rules.
He also pointed out during the inspections, it was noted that many homestays lacked proper kitchen facilities and fire- fighting equipment was either missing or expired. Several homestays were being misused as marriage halls or for other commercial activities. In many cases, the owners were not residing on-site and the operations were being run on a lease or rent basis. More rooms were being utilised than allowed under the prescribed capacity. Previous inspections also uncovered cases of missing documentation (C-Form) for the stay of foreign nationals. Some homestays were found to be unoccupied despite being registered, he said.
