500 rupees plate instead of 50 in Kedarnath

Dehradun: After heavy rains in Uttarakhand, what came as a disaster, shopkeepers, hotel-dhaba operators have started looting tourists and pilgrims. A similar case has come to the fore in Kedarnath. Hotel and restaurant operators located there are charging Rs 500 from the passengers in lieu of a food plate of Rs 50 from the pilgrims stranded after the ra

After the matter came to the notice, Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj has also shown strictness. He has also given strict instructions to the District Magistrate Rudraprayag to take action against the passengers stranded in Kedarnath for charging more money for food by the hotels and restaurants located there. Keeping in view the heavy rains and calamity in the state, Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj has asked the officers of all departments subordinate to him to remain alert.

Cabinet Minister Satpal Maharaj said that it has come to his notice that more recovery is being done from the passengers. Passengers are stranded in Kedarnath due to the closure of roads due to heavy rains. The hotel and restaurant operators located there are charging Rs 500 from the stranded passengers in lieu of a plate of food worth Rs 50. The Maharaj said that such loot will not be tolerated at all.

Talking to District Magistrate Rudraprayag Manuj Goyal over phone, he directed to identify such people and take immediate action against them. Said that along with deducting the challan, a case should be registered. Maharaj said that there is no need for the passengers to panic. All obstructed routes will be opened by evening.

Cabinet Minister Satpal Maharaj said that along with opening all the Dharamshalas on the Chardham Yatra route, the administration has also made arrangements for Bhandara for the passengers. Maharaj has also ordered immediate rescue of the people trapped in Sunderkhal, Ramnagar after talking to Disaster Management Secretary SA Murugeshan. He has asked the officials of the Irrigation Department to be fully prepared along with taking precautionary measures in view of the rising water level of rivers.