Rudraprayag Police has launched sustained inspections along the Kedarnath Dham trekking route during the pilgr, taking action against 35 horse-mule operators who were carrying passengers without valid licences for that service.
The enforcement drive focuses on compliance with the rules and licence conditions governing horse and mule operations. The district panchayat issues separate licences for transporting passengers and for carrying goods or other materials.
Operators holding only a goods-transport licence are not permitted to carry pilgrims. Police said such violations may affect passenger safety on the route.
Where the violations were found
During the checks, police identified operators carrying passengers despite not having the required passenger-transport licence at 3 locations:
- Gaurikund: 05 operators
- Bhimbali: 08 operators
- Lincholi: 22 operators
The combined figure was 35 operators. Challan proceedings were initiated against all of them under the Uttarakhand Police Act.
Police also arranged for the affected passengers to continue their journey on horse-mules authorised to provide passenger transport. The measure was intended to keep the travellers moving while shifting them to permitted services.
Continued monitoring on the pilgrroute
Rudraprayag Police said inspections will continue to enforce operating conditions and support safer travel for pilgrims visiting Kedarnath Dham. The action also seeks to ensure that operators use their animals only for the purpose covered by their licences.
The enforcement comes as authorities monitor transport arrangements on the route, where pilgrims may use horse-mules for parts of the journey. The police have linked the checking campaign to both passenger safety and smoother movement along the pilgrpath.
Conclusion
Police action against 35 operators highlights the distinction between goods and passenger licences on the Kedarnath route. Travellers found using unauthorised services were moved to authorised horse-mules, while inspections are continuing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many horse-mule operators faced action?
Challan proceedings were initiated against 35 operators under the Uttarakhand Police Act.
Q. Why were the operators stopped?
They were carrying passengers without the required passenger-transport licence. Some operators had licences meant only for transporting goods or materials.
Q. Where were the violations detected?
The checks identified 05 operators at Gaurikund, 08 at Bhimbali and 22 at Lincholi.
Q. Who issues the different licences?
The district panchayat issues separate licences for passenger transport and for goods or material transport.
Q. What happened to the affected passengers?
Police placed them on horse-mules authorised to carry passengers so they could continue safely.
Q. Will inspections continue?
Rudraprayag Police said checking and enforcement will continue along the Kedarnath pilgrroute.
