Dhaba Owners in Haryana Seek Ministerial Intervention Over Environmental Prosecution
In a significant development, dhaba owners from various regions of Haryana convened with State Environment Minister Rao Narbir Singh on Wednesday. This meeting was prompted by ongoing legal actions, including prosecution under the Earth, Water and Environment Protection Act, due to violations related to the disposal of untreated waste. The dhaba operators, facing mounting pressure from regulatory bodies, sought the minister's assistance to address these compliance challenges.
Minister's Firm Stance on Environmental Norms
During the interaction, Minister Rao Narbir Singh provided a patient hearing to the concerns raised by the dhaba owners. However, he unequivocally maintained that strict adherence to water conservation and pollution control regulations is non-negotiable for all dhaba establishments. "The objective is to protect the environment, conserve water resources, and ensure that all commercial activities operate in an organised and lawful manner," the minister stated, clarifying that the government does not intend to harm any business but prioritizes environmental sustainability.
Decade-Long Pressure for Sewage Treatment Plants
For over a decade, various authorities have been urging dhaba owners to install Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and Common Treatment Plants (CTPs). This mandate is crucial for ensuring water conservation and facilitating the reuse of treated water. Sources revealed that state authorities have acted against these eateries in alignment with guidelines and directives issued periodically by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Additionally, many dhabas have yet to obtain No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the National Highway Authority or the Town and Country Planning Department, further complicating their operational status.
Widespread Non-Compliance Across Key Highways
According to available information, there are over 200 major and small dhabas located along critical highway stretches, including the Ambala-Sonipat, Panipat-Rohtak, and Rohtak-New Delhi corridors. A majority of these eateries are operating without adequate permissions from the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) and other environmental protection agencies.
During inspections conducted by the NGT and other relevant institutions, closure orders have been issued against non-compliant dhabas. Penalties are calculated based on the duration from the date of construction of the dhaba to the date of inspection, highlighting the severity of prolonged violations.
Political Representation and Regulatory Directives
The delegation of dhaba owners from Murthal was led by MLA Devender Kadyan, who himself operates a popular chain of dhabas. During the meeting, Minister Rao Narbir Singh made it clear that dhaba operators running their establishments without Change of Land Use (CLU) permission must complete all required documentation related to municipal taxes and other statutory charges.
The minister urged dhaba operators to ensure timely compliance with all norms to avoid further legal action. He emphasized that even dhabas with approved CLU must strictly follow all norms laid down by the HSPCB. Failure to do so will result in actions and penalties as per established rules.
Path Forward for Sustainable Operations
In a proactive move, Minister Rao Narbir Singh directed Yogesh Kumar, Secretary of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board, to hold discussions with the Board Chairman at the earliest. The aim is to devise a comprehensive solution that balances business interests with environmental protection. This step underscores the government's commitment to fostering a collaborative approach towards resolving the compliance issues faced by the dhaba industry.
The meeting highlights the ongoing tension between commercial activities and environmental regulations in Haryana. As dhaba owners navigate these challenges, the emphasis remains on achieving sustainable operations through lawful adherence to pollution control and water conservation mandates.
