District Administration Cancels Registration of 103 Homestays Violating Norms; Process Begins to Remove Them from Tourism Website
Action Continues Under “Operation Cleanup”; 103 Illegal Homestays Found During 153 Inspections
Administration Tightens Noose Around Hotel-Like Homestays Running on Lease; Action Against Units Operating Without Fire Safety and Food Licenses
Several Homestays Turned Into Hubs of Illegal Activities, Late-Night Bars and Loud DJ Parties
Rising Incidents of Drunken Brawls, Overspeeding and Firing Posed Threat to Law and Order
Dehradun, May 24, 2026.
In a major crackdown aimed at strengthening law and order and ensuring public safety, the district administration has cancelled the registrations of 103 homestays found operating in violation of prescribed norms. Acting on the directions of District Magistrate Savin Bansal, the administration launched a large-scale verification and inspection drive under “Operation Cleanup.”
Officials stated that the process to remove these homestays from the tourism department’s official website has also been initiated.
According to the administration, registrations of 17 homestays were cancelled in the first phase, 79 in the second phase, and 7 in the third phase. Five magistrate-led teams conducted 153 inspections across various areas, including Sahaspur and Raipur development blocks, where numerous homestays were found operating in violation of the Uttarakhand Homestay Rules.
The inspections revealed that many homestays were effectively functioning as commercial hotels. Several units were being operated on lease or rent, despite regulations requiring owners to reside on the premises. Authorities also found multiple violations, including operation beyond permitted room capacity, absence of valid fire safety equipment, and lack of food licenses.
The administration further stated that several homestays had become centers for unlawful activities, including late-night bar operations, loud DJ parties, and alcohol-fueled gatherings. Officials linked these activities to increasing incidents of drunken hooliganism, overspeeding, and even firing with pistols and country-made weapons in the city, posing serious challenges to law and order and public safety.
During inspections, many homestays were also found without kitchen facilities, defeating the core objective of the homestay scheme, which is to promote local culture, traditional cuisine, and livelihood opportunities for local residents. Instead, several properties were allegedly being used as banquet venues, party spots, and commercial establishments.
The district administration clarified that misuse of the homestay policy would not be tolerated under any circumstances. Verification and enforcement drives will continue in the coming days to ensure compliance with rules and regulations.
Officials reiterated that while promoting tourism remains important, maintaining public safety and law and order is the administration’s top priority.
