HBI Staff | Hyderabad 
A total of 56 hotels in Mussoorie have received fresh notices from the Pollution Control Board (PCB) after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued directives. These properties are at risk of facing penalties or closure.
The PCB had previously submitted a report to the green tribunal, stating that they had issued notices to 46 hotels for excessive water usage. Out of these, 39 hotels were found to have sufficient supply from Jal Sansthan and rainwater harvesting facilities, while one hotel was permanently closed. Additionally, 106 hotels received notices for operating without consent from the PCB.
The NGT, in its order dated July 26, expressed concern over the high number of violators, as only 18 out of the 106 hotels possessed the required consent to operate. The NGT directed the PCB to take strict action against the errant hotels.
Secretary of PCB, Sushant Pattnaik, confirmed that fresh notices have been issued to 56 hotels. Among them, six were allegedly using excessive water, while 50 lacked a valid consent to operate from the PCB. Pattnaik stated that these hotels might face penalties or closure.
In a previous order dated April 24, the NGT directed the PCB to claim compensation from hotels using ‘illegally’ drawn water from the Dhobighat spring. The rate of compensation was set at INR 10 lakh for establishments with 10-25 rooms, INR 25 lakh for establishments with 25-50 rooms, and INR 50 lakh for establishments with more than 50 rooms.
source: TOI
