Home / Environment / NGT Cracks Down on Hotels Lacking Environmental Permits
NGT Cracks Down on Hotels Lacking Environmental Permits
11 Jul
Summary
- NGT orders Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board to verify hotel operating permits.
- 49 hotels accused of environmental norm violations face strict scrutiny.
- Board to submit compliance report on action against hotels within six weeks.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) principal bench in Delhi has issued a stern directive to the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (UKPCB). The board is mandated to rigorously verify the Consent to Operate (CTO) status for 49 hotels allegedly violating environmental norms.
The NGT emphasized that no establishment should be permitted to function without the necessary statutory clearances. This directive came during a hearing concerning an application filed on July 7, where the UKPCB's inability to clarify the CTO status for these hotels was highlighted.
The Tribunal has ordered the UKPCB to file a comprehensive compliance report within six weeks. This report must detail the actions taken against the 49 hotels, including environmental compensation proceedings and recovery, and the current CTO status for each establishment.
While the UKPCB reported assessing environmental compensation on 19 hotels, many have appealed these orders or have yet to deposit the required amounts. Show-cause notices were issued to the remaining 30 hotels, with final orders expected within four weeks.
The NGT stressed that the UKPCB must ensure all 49 hotels operate only with a valid CTO and adhere strictly to environmental regulations. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on September 21.
