Chardham Yatra: ‘A little less from today’ campaign starts in Uttarakhand

Providing Nutritious Food to Pilgrims a Priority

A Health-Promoting Initiative by the Food Safety & Drug Administration Department, Uttarakhand

Dehradun, March 30, 2025

The Uttarakhand government has launched the ‘Aaj Se Thoda Kam’ campaign to provide healthy food to pilgrims on the Char Dham Yatra route.

Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar, Commissioner of Food Safety & Drug Administration, Uttarakhand, and Health Secretary, stated that the initiative has been implemented on the ground as per the directions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Health Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat.

Objective and Campaign Plan

According to Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar:

• The main goal of this initiative is to control the excessive use of salt, sugar, and fat in food, helping to prevent diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

• Restaurants and eateries are being encouraged to collaborate with chefs and food experts to prepare nutritious meals while maintaining a balanced diet.

• Awareness is being raised through flex banners, posters, and digital media.

Strategy for Repurposing Used Cooking Oil (RUCO)

To further enhance food safety, the health department has introduced the ‘Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO)’ initiative.

• Strict monitoring is being implemented to reduce the harmful effects of repeatedly used cooking oil and prevent it from re-entering the food chain.

• Used oil will be collected through an aggregator network and recycled into biodiesel, soap, and other non-food products.

• This will help prevent heart diseases, hypertension, and liver-related ailments while also protecting the environment.

What is the Triple-E Strategy?

To ensure food safety, the administration has adopted the ‘Triple-E’ strategy (Educate, Enforce, Establish).

• Educate: Informing food businesses and citizens about the harmful effects of reused cooking oil.

• Enforce: Strictly implementing food safety standards.

• Establish: Setting up a robust system for the collection and disposal of used oil.

Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar stated, “Ensuring safe and nutritious food for devotees on the Char Dham Yatra is a priority for the government. Initiatives like ‘Aaj Se Thoda Kam’ and ‘RUCO’ will not only ensure food safety but also contribute to environmental conservation.”

Additional Commissioner of Food Safety & Drug Administration, Tajbar Singh Jaggi, added, “Our entire team is committed to effectively implementing food safety standards on the pilgrimage route. Any food insecurity or adulteration will not be tolerated, and all food businesses must comply with the prescribed standards; otherwise, strict action will be taken.”

What is “Repurpose Used Cooking Oil”?

Used cooking oil refers to oil that remains after frying food. Instead of discarding it, some people reuse it, which can be harmful to health.

Harmful Effects on Health:

• Reheating oil repeatedly breaks it down and produces harmful chemicals.

• These chemicals can lead to heart disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, and other health issues.

• Doctors and health experts strongly advise against consuming reused oil.

Alternative Uses:

• Though unsafe for cooking, used oil can be repurposed.

• It can be converted into biodiesel.

• It can be used in soap production.

• Some industries use it as a lubricant for machinery.