Travel restrictions in Uttarakhand to know about

After a boom of COVID cases during Kumbh, Uttarakhand authority swept in action. Stern rules have been announced with effect from 12th July 2021. Here are the travel restrictions in Uttarakhand for everyone, including the residents of this state.

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Glimpse of Sari village. Pic credit- A hardcore Uttarakhandi justmythings_18

Traveling within Uttarakhand

It won’t be easy for residents to make quick escapades to nearby places like Mussorie, Haridwar, or Sahastradhara. The latest circular from the authorities under clause 17E and others, state the following travel restrictions in Uttarakhand-

  1. Uttarakhand residents traveling from Garhwal to the Kumaon region and Kumaon to the Garhwal-Uttar Pradesh border would not need RT PCR (COVID negative report). However, it is compulsory to register on https://dsclservices.org.in/apply.php in the Dehradun Smart City Portal.
  2. Residents of these districts (Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri Garhwal, Nanitital, and Udham Singh Nagar) traveling to the hilly regions of Uttarakhand need a compulsory RT PCR report. Subsequently, the certificate will be strictly checked at the state border. This means COVID negative test is compulsory even for locals in order to reach destinations like Kedartal, Valley of Flowers, Rupin Pass, Kedarkantha, and more.
  3. As a measure to curb COVID 19 outspread, the entry of two-wheelers in Mussorie is been prohibited until further notice. However, other vehicles can enter Mussorie only upon producing COVID negative certificate, registration in the smart city Dehradun portal, and hotel booking proof.
  4. Bathing or holy dip in water bodies is a big no-no. Therefore, nobody would be allowed to get into the waters of Sahastradhara, Mussorie, Robbers Cave, Rishikesh, etc.
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Justmythings_18 watching the river from a distance

Travelling to Uttarakhand (from other states)

  1. Officers, employees of the Armed forces, and their family members do not need a compulsory RT PCR test but it is mandatory to register on http://smartcitydehradun.uk.gov.in
  2. Only 4 people in private or authorized vehicles will be allowed to travel to Haridwar for asthi visarjan of deceased kin. Also, COVID negative test reports not older than 72 hours prior to traveling and registration on smart city Dehradun portal are compulsory.
  3. Inter-state public transport is allowed to operate with 100% occupancy though it is subject to SOPs issued by the State Transport department. Those traveling via train, bus, plane, taxi, or private vehicle have to register on the smart city web portal and carry a Covid Negative Test report, not older than 72 hours.
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What’s not open/allowed in Uttarakhand

  1. COVID curfew continues till 20th July.
  2. No gyms will be operational.
  3. Tobacco consumption and spitting in public places have been prohibited. Disobedience of this rule will draw a penalty.
  4. All theatres, theme parks, movie halls, auditoriums, swimming pools will remain closed until further notice.
  5. Keeping the safety of citizens in mind amid the deadly third wave of COVID-19 pandemic, Kanwar Yatra has been suspended.
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No kanwar in 2021- A welcome move

Partially allowed

  1. Hotels, restaurants, or eateries can operate with 50% dining capacity. Therefore, authorities encourage home delivery or takeaways. So, food brands can use vehicles for customer doorstep delivery.
  2. Hotels and restaurants in urban regions will remain closed between 10 pm and 6 am.
  3. Conference rooms in hotels can hold meetings/events with 50% capacity.
  4. All shops (grocery, flower shops, dairies, and sweet shops) and malls have been permitted to operate between 8 am and 7 pm.
  5. Rajaji National Park and Jim Corbett Park are open with COVID-appropriate norms.

Travel restrictions in Uttarakhand continue to be in place as the Government is trying its best to avert the COVID outspread. Though the state is welcoming tourists, one still has to adhere to COVID norms. Hope this information helps you plan your visit to Devbhoomi Uttarakhand.