The National Green Tribunal, Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata has directed the State Pollution Control Board to issue closure orders to the 681 hotels which are operating in the State without obtaining due permissions.
Earlier, the NGT had issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the SPCB to file status report on these hotels while accepting a petition filed by Odisha High Court lawyer Biranchi Narayan Mohapatra alleging that the hotels were running sans Pollution Board consents. Conducing a hearing on September 9, the NGT asked the SPCB to take steps against the hotels within two weeks provided if they are found guilty.
They will also take steps to disconnect the electricity supply and water supply line on the issuance of closure order. The action taken report would be filed on the next date of hearing.