Dehradun: The Uttarakhand government has announced a new arrangement for the supply of commercial LPG cylinders in view of the upcoming Char Dham Yatra and tourism season.
Under the new standard operating procedure (SOP), 2,650 commercial LPG cylinders will be supplied daily across the state.
Daily Supply for Tourism and Hospitality
The decision has been taken to ensure that hotels, restaurants, guest houses, and other commercial establishments do not face shortages during the peak pilgrimage season. The Char Dham Yatra attracts thousands of devotees and tourists every year, significantly increasing demand for cooking gas in hospitality services.
According to the SOP issued by Anand Swarup, Secretary of the Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, oil and gas companies IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL will provide 2,650 commercial LPG cylinders daily.
Monitoring by District Magistrates
The supply companies will also be required to report daily supply information to the respective district magistrates. This monitoring system will help ensure smooth distribution and prevent disruptions. Officials believe that uninterrupted supply of commercial gas cylinders is crucial for the tourism industry, especially during the yatra season.
Allocation for Different Sectors
The SOP ensures that about 20 percent of the daily requirement of commercial LPG cylinders will be reserved for the tourism industry. In addition, hospitals, educational institutions, pharmaceutical units, dairy and food processing units, industrial canteens, hostels, homestays, and self-help group establishments will also receive supplies.
District-Wise Allocation
The government has also fixed district-wise allocations. Dehradun will receive the highest share at 31 percent. Haridwar and Nainital will get 13 percent each, Udham Singh Nagar nine percent, Chamoli six percent, and Rudraprayag five percent. Tehri, Pauri, Uttarkashi, and Almora have been allocated four percent each, while Pithoragarh will get three percent. Bageshwar and Champawat will receive two percent each.
This distribution plan is expected to provide relief to tourism and pilgrimage-related businesses, ensuring that hotels, restaurants, and dharamshalas can serve visitors without interruption.
Importance for Char Dham Yatra
The Char Dham Yatra is one of Uttarakhand’s biggest religious and tourism events, drawing lakhs of pilgrims every year. Smooth arrangements for food and lodging are essential to the success of the yatra. By ensuring daily supply of LPG cylinders, the government aims to strengthen hospitality services and support the state’s tourism economy.