Dehradun district administration cancels registration of 17 homestays for violating norms

The Dehradun district administration cancelled the registration of 17 homestays on Wednesday following a crackdown on establishments allegedly operating illegally as commercial hotels and hubs for criminal activities, officials said. The administration initiated ''Operation Safai'' after investigations revealed these units allegedly hosted rowdy elements involved in drunk driving, overspeeding and firing at public places. Five teams of magistrates conducted inspections over seven days to identify properties violating the Uttarakhand Homestay Rules. ''Public safety remains paramount. No one is above the law, and strict action will continue against those turning homestays into centres for illegal activities,'' District Magistrate Savin Bansal said in a statement. Officials said the crackdown focused on urban pockets in Sahaspur and Raipur blocks where wealthy owners allegedly converted residences into commercial bars and DJ venues. The de-registered properties are being removed from the state tourism department's official website, they said. During investigation, officials allegedly found several structural and safety lapses. Many units operated without fire safety equipment, food licences, or functional kitchens. Several owners allegedly leased their properties to third parties instead of residing there, which is a mandatory requirement under the homestay scheme. Officials found that operators allegedly failed to maintain guest records or submit mandatory C-Forms for foreign nationals. In the Niranjanpur area, one homestay was flagged for hosting foreigners without intimation. In Ballupur, an establishment allegedly operated more rooms than its registered capacity. ''The original objective of the homestay scheme was to promote local culture and cuisine. However, many units functioned as commercial hotels or wedding halls, challenging the city's law and order,'' the district magistrate added.

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