In a significant move to curb illegal commercial activities, the issue of unlicensed eateries, banquet halls, and vatikas operating across Delhi was brought to the forefront during a Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) standing committee meeting on Wednesday. Councillors expressed grave concerns over establishments flouting norms, prompting directives for a stringent citywide inspection drive.
Committee Dissatisfaction and Directives for Action
Standing committee chairperson Satya Sharma voiced strong dissatisfaction with the health department's enforcement efforts, stating they were inadequate compared to the instructions issued after the tragic Goa fire incident. Sharma directed officials to conduct intensive inspections and submit a detailed report on actions taken against illegally operating hotels, bars, and restaurants. The committee emphasized that no laxity would be tolerated in matters concerning citizen health, safety, and convenience.
Scale of the Problem and Initial Findings
During the meeting, officials presented a preliminary report outlining the current licensing landscape. According to the data, MCD has issued licences to 6,029 eating establishments in the city. This breakdown includes:
- 3,511 eateries
- 1,242 takeaway units
- 880 dhabas
- 115 canteens and refreshment rooms
- 18 catering houses
- 148 coffee houses
- 38 kitchens
However, following the committee's directives, public health teams inspected 2,360 establishments. The findings were alarming: 1,994 had valid licences, but 364 were operating with expired or no licences at all. As a result, officials issued 470 prosecution orders for various violations and sealed four establishments in the West and Najafgarh zones. Officials estimated that covering all establishments in the city would take approximately one month.
Specific Concerns: Farmhouses, Vatikas, and Banquet Halls
Councillors highlighted specific instances of kitchens running in farmhouses and large banquet halls operating without the necessary permissions or Fire Safety No-Objection Certificates (NoCs). There were also allegations of encroachment by these businesses. AAP councillor Parveen Kumar cited the example of a banquet hall in Wazirpur that was allegedly sealed only for show in the past, with its operations continuing unabated.
The committee instructed officials to specifically check vatikas, banquets, and open event houses to clearly identify establishments with renewed licences and those operating illegally. On the issue of vatikas and farmhouses, officials clarified that these are regulated by the building department, with licences granted based on the area covered and the number of event days, in line with a policy from 2022.
Call for Inter-Departmental Coordination
Highlighting a key systemic issue, Mahipalpur councillor Inderjeet Sehrawat called for better coordination among different departments, arguing that shifting responsibility was not a solution. He suggested convening a meeting of all concerned departments to chalk out clear responsibilities, including determining which department would issue crucial NoCs.
The MCD's intensified drive underscores a growing push for regulatory compliance in Delhi's bustling food and hospitality sector, aiming to safeguard public safety against potential hazards.
