This is a throbbing hub where alternative creative instinct expresses itself freely. Just when Hauz Khas Village is transitioning into Delhi’s food hangout, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered closure of all its pubs and restaurants running illegally and flouting environmental norms.
The Tribunal, on grounds of “health hazards” by the restaurants, allegedly running without required permissions, ordered a shutdown of the eateries till September 24.
The direction by Justice P Jyothimani came on Friday on the petition of Pankaj Sharma alleging that the greasy spoons in the area are flouting environmental norms and do not have proper permits. “The order would act as an injunction against any new eatery which comes up in the area,” said the order.
“Considering seriousness of the issue of health hazard that is being caused, we have no hesitation to hold that balance of convenience in granting certain interim orders, is in the interest of the public. Accordingly, we direct closure of all the restaurants situated in Hauz Khas area that are operational without obtaining proper permission from appropriate authorities till the next date of hearing,” said the judge, while fixing the hearing of the matter for September 24.
The Tribunal observed that over 40 watering holes in the area “are not only operating without proper clearance as per law but are discharging effluents, drawing potable water, apart from causing nuisance and environmental hazards in the Village.”
The NGT was hearing a petition by Pankaj Sharma, filed through advocate Sumedha Dua, alleging that the restaurants which have come up in large numbers in Hauz Khas Village do not have the requisite consents under the law.
The Tribunal observed that so many eating joints could not have “mushroomed” in the area without the Delhi Pollution Control Committee’s (DPCC) knowledge. The Tribunal summoned DPCC’s Member Secretary to the next date of hearing to explain “how long these restaurants have been allowed to continue to operate in the said area.”
The DPCC official will also have to explain whether the restaurants are drawing potable water from the ground or proper approval has been obtained for the same. The Tribunal further directed the DPCC to also explain what proposal they have in place for the purpose of solid waste management vis-à-vis eateries and if any other new restaurants have come up in the Village.