Haryana Issues Stern Warning to Murthal Dhabas Over Environmental Compliance
In a significant move to address growing environmental concerns, Haryana Environment Minister Rao Narbir Singh has issued a strict warning to dhaba owners in Murthal, threatening heavy retrospective penalties for violations of pollution and sewage treatment norms. The warning was delivered during a meeting with dhaba operators along the Grand Trunk Road in Sonipat district, highlighting the government's intensified focus on regulatory enforcement.
Mounting Pollution Concerns in a Popular Dining Hub
Murthal, renowned across North India for its iconic parathas and 24/7 eateries, has evolved into a major dining destination attracting thousands of daily visitors, including NRIs, highway travelers, and residents from Delhi, Gurgaon, and neighboring areas. However, this rapid commercial expansion over the past two decades has led to serious environmental challenges, such as unregulated construction, improper wastewater discharge, inadequate solid waste disposal, and excessive pressure on groundwater resources.
Several dhabas have previously faced scrutiny from authorities like the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), resulting in notices, closure orders, and penalties. Minister Rao Narbir Singh emphasized that Murthal's popularity and scale of operations necessitate stringent environmental regulation to prevent long-term ecological damage.
Key Environmental Norms and Compliance Requirements
During the meeting, which included local MLA Devender Kadyan and senior HSPCB officials, the minister outlined mandatory norms that all dhabas must adhere to. These include:
- Installation and proper operation of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) or connection to Common Treatment Plants (CTPs) for wastewater treatment and reuse.
- Obtaining consent to establish and consent to operate from the pollution control board.
- Ensuring no discharge of untreated sewage into drains, open land, or water bodies.
- Proper solid waste management, including segregation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.
- Safe disposal of food waste and installation of grease traps in kitchen areas.
- Control of air pollution from generators and cooking operations, and adherence to noise pollution limits.
- Maintenance of records for water consumption and wastewater treatment, along with compliance to fire safety and sanitation standards.
Additionally, dhaba operators without valid Change of Land Use (CLU) permissions must immediately complete all required documentation related to land use approvals, municipal taxes, and other statutory charges. The minister clarified that even dhabas with approved CLU permissions are not exempt from environmental compliance and will face action if norms are violated.
Retroactive Fines and Government's Stance
Dhaba operators raised concerns during the meeting about past inspections where penalties and closure orders were calculated retrospectively, from the date of construction until the inspection date, leading to substantial financial liabilities. In response, Minister Rao Narbir Singh advised operators to ensure timely compliance with all environmental and statutory norms to avoid such punitive measures.
He clarified that the government's objective is not to harm businesses or livelihoods but to protect the environment, conserve water resources, and ensure that commercial activities operate in an organized and lawful manner. The minister urged dhaba owners to voluntarily adopt eco-friendly practices and collaborate with the administration to preserve Murthal's identity as a major food destination.
Path Forward and Collaborative Efforts
To address compliance-related issues, the minister directed HSPCB Secretary Yogesh Kumar to hold discussions with the Board Chairman and initiate necessary steps. He appealed for cooperation, stating that with collective effort, Murthal can be made clean, safe, and environmentally sustainable without compromising its popularity.
This warning underscores Haryana's commitment to enforcing environmental regulations in high-traffic commercial areas, aiming to balance economic growth with ecological preservation. As Murthal continues to thrive as a culinary hotspot, adherence to these norms will be crucial for its sustainable future.
