Haridwar, March 6 (HS): Preparations for Uttarakhand’s Char Dham Yatra 2025 are underway, including a new mandatory declaration form for passengers. This requirement has faced backlash from local hotel and travel businesses.

On Thursday, members of the Taxi-Maxi Transport Association and travel operators protested at Tulsi Chowk in Damkothi, demanding the withdrawal of the rule and warning of further agitation if ignored. The declaration form requires passengers to provide information about their accommodation and food arrangements, a concern for many who arrive without prior bookings, often leading to financial strain.

Businessmen Kuldeep Sharma and Sachin Bhatia argue that this rule could foster corruption and hinder tourism growth. They called on the government to reconsider this directive, warning that continued enforcement could prompt a larger movement from the affected businesses.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar