Chief minister Harish Rawat said that hoteliers are expected to observe the standards set by the pollution control board and the directions of the National Green Tribunal. He also directed the businessmen to present their position in the case with all necessary facts. The arrangements being made in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh in this case should also be studied, he said. The chief minister said this while chairing a meet held late on Monday night in the presence of chief secretary Shatrughna Singh, additional chief secretary and officials of the Uttarakhand Environment Protection and Pollution Control Board (UEPPCB) regarding the issues of the hoteliers.
The chief minister said that effective action and coordination should be stressed upon in order to ensure observance of the NGT directions while also preventing the hotel and hospitality business in the state from experiencing impediments. Asking the representatives of the hoteliers to ensure observance of the pollution control board directions, Rawat also sought cooperation from this business fraternity in registration under the Sarai Act, payment of fees and other related official aspects. He said that in case the hoteliers face any issue, they can present their position on the basis of technical specifications and other related facts. All those in the hotel business should also keep themselves informed about the situation in this regard. The scenario in Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and towns like Agra in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh can also be studied, he said.
Rawat told the Peyjal Nigam managing director that the constructed sewage treatment plants ready for utilization should be made operational soon. Similarly, swift pace should also be maintained in case of hotels slated to set up STP at their level. Stating that biodigester toilets should be installed where slated, the chief minister stressed on the need for swift pace in preparation of work plan and its execution. Bureaucrats, officials of various departments concerned and representatives of the Uttarakhand hotel association were also among those present in the meeting.
