SUBHASH MISHRA
Deoghar, June 18: Ahead of the upcoming Shravani Mela, the Deoghar district administration has taken action against five prominent hotels and restaurants in the Babadham area for unhygienic conditions and the use of substandard food items. A total fine of ₹45,000 was imposed during the inspection drive conducted on Wednesday.
The highest fine of ₹15,000 was levied on M/S Madhuban Sweets, located near Tower Chowk. Hotel Sindhu and Hotel Madhuri were each fined ₹10,000, while Hotel Ambar and Hotel Nilkamal, both situated on SB Ray Road, were penalized ₹5,000 each. In addition to the on-the-spot fines, all five hotel managements were directed to improve hygiene standards within 10 days.
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According to district officials, the inspection drive was carried out following directives from Deputy Commissioner Naman Priyesh Lakra, who ordered a thorough assessment of hygiene and food safety measures in local hotels in preparation for Shravani Mela, scheduled from July 11 to August 9.
During the month-long festival, nearly 45 lakh national and international devotees are expected to visit Babadham to offer sacred Gangajal to Baba Baidyanath. Ensuring public health and safety is a top priority for the administration.
The inspection team found Madhuban Sweets guilty of preparing food in unhygienic conditions, using stale ingredients, and maintaining a contaminated water tank. Similarly, the kitchen of Hotel Madhuri was found in poor condition—stinking and littered with waste.
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At Hotel Sindhu, waterlogging was observed in the kitchen area where food was being prepared, and the drinking water was found to be contaminated and foul-smelling. Hotel Ambar also failed the inspection due to unsanitary kitchen conditions and a polluted water tank. Both hotels were fined ₹5,000 each.
Officials confirmed that further inspections would continue in the lead-up to Shravani Mela to ensure safe and hygienic conditions for the influx of pilgrims.