Kedarnath: Gaurikund villagers ban Nepali women, children from trade; allege selling of illicit liquor & meat

Dehradun: A major decision has been taken by villagers in GauriKund, a key stop on the Kedarnath Yatra route, where they have resolved to ban Nepali-origin women and children from doing business in the pilgrimage starting from the 2026 season.

This decision, taken during an open village meeting led by Gram Pradhan Kusum Devi, is already sparking widespread debate.

Nepali-origin individuals have been involved in the illegal liquor and meat trade

Villagers claim that Nepali-origin individuals, especially women, have been involved in illegal liquor and meat trade in and around GauriKund for several years. These activities, they say, have hurt the spiritual atmosphere of the sacred site, which is deeply connected with the Hindu goddess Maa Gauri.

In the meeting, villagers expressed their displeasure with the administration, stating that despite several complaints, only token action was taken by the authorities. A local elder shared, "We had no choice. The administration ignored us, and the problem kept growing. Now we’ve taken this decision to protect our holy place.”

Sanctity of this place is being affected due to unchecked activities

Gram Pradhan Kusum Devi highlighted the importance of Gauri Kund, saying, "Millions of devotees come here every year to visit Maa Gauri. But the sanctity of this place is being affected due to unchecked activities. This is not a move against any community, but an effort to preserve our religious heritage.” She clarified that men of Nepali origin may continue to work in the region, but bringing families, especially women and children, will not be allowed from 2026 onwards.

Commenting on this issue, Raj Kumar Tiwari, president of Kedar Mahasabha, said to TV9 (English) over the phone, "We welcome this decision. There are many cases registered at Sonprayag and Rudraprayag police stations against these Nepali-origin people being involved in illegal trade of meat and liquor.” He also mentioned that locals have decided not to rent out shops and other commercial outlets to the Nepalis and they would be allowed only for the labour work in the Kedarnath area.

Backing the move, local Trade Union President Ramchandra Goswami said, "When the government doesn’t act, the people are forced to. Our main concern is the smooth and spiritual experience of the pilgrims. Illegal liquor trade was becoming a serious disruption.”

Illegal liquor smuggling is active at multiple Kedarnath Yatra halts

The issue goes beyond just Gauri Kund. Reports suggest that illegal liquor smuggling is active at multiple Kedarnath Yatra halts, especially at night. Videos showing people of Nepali origin delivering liquor during the night have recently gone viral, prompting the police to start raids at various locations.

This has led to protests not just by villagers but also by religious groups

Despite the presence of multiple check posts between Rudraprayag and Sonprayag, locals are questioning how liquor is still reaching the Yatra route. This has led to protests not just by villagers but also by religious groups like the Vishwa Akhara Parishad, demanding strict action. Ankit Gairola, president of the Sonprayag Trade Union, expressed concern over police negligence, stating, "Some officers are doing their job, but others are turning a blind eye. Liquor smugglers are moving freely and harming the sanctity of the Yatra.”

Add TV9 English As A Trusted Source

Police are taking all necessary steps

Akshya Prahlad Konde, SSP, Rudraprayag, stated that there have been incidents where Nepali individuals were caught engaging in the illegal trade of meat and liquor, and the police have taken action against them. Thakur Singh Negi, Station In-charge, Sonprayag, informed TV9 (English), "We have confiscated illicit liquor and meat several times, yet these individuals continue to smuggle such items into this sacred land in unauthorized ways to sell them."