Delhi Government’s pollution watchdog Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has ordered closure of Centaur Hotel near Indira Gandhi International Airport with immediate effect for violating environmental norms in the national Capital.
DPCC has directed South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) to cancel the licence and also Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) West district to ensure closure of hotel with immediate effect. The authorities have also directed BSES Rajdhani and Delhi Jal Board to cut power and water supply to the hotel.
Officials say that direction for closure of Centaur Hotel has been issued under Section 33(A) of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and u/s 31(A) of the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 for violating environmental norms. The hotel authorities have been issued notices on February 1, this year to rectify deficiencies under water and air prevention and control of pollution act. “The reply given by the authorities do not qualify the compliance requirement (including the mandatory requirement of Consent under the Air and Water Acts and proper operation of Sewage Treatment Plant etc.),” the closure
order said.
The five-star hotel, having 376 rooms (out of this 245 are under renovation) is being run by Hotel Corporation of India limited (HCIl), which is a Public limited Company wholly owned by Air India limited. It was incorporated on July 8, 1971 under the Companies Act, 1956, when Air India decided to enter the Hotel Industry in keeping with the then prevalent trend among world airlines. Presently HCI operates two Hotels, one each at Delhi and Srinagar under the brand name Centaur and two flight kitchens, one each at Mumbai and Delhi under the brand name Chefair.
During inspection, it was found that diffusers of aeration tank are not working at its desired result hence septic condition occurs. It is informed that around 10 diffusers are out of order. “A pipeline to carry waste water from equalisation tank and aeration is broken/dismantled for this purpose temporary plastic pipe is provided. Clarifier found defunct and revealed that gearbox is out of order for the last 5-6 months, thereby purpose of separating water and sludge in
achieving high suspended solid concentration for recirculation is absolutely defeated. Hotel not having a solar water heating system. Having two borewells for a source of water and around 400 KlD is being drawn. Delhi Jal Board supply is not there. The STP needs upgradation, connected
lines found broken/rested. Connected wet scrubber is in very shabby condition and almost fully broken. Rainwater harvesting pits are developed by GMR. Hotel is not having organic waste converter for the digestion of generated organic waste,” the inspection
report said.
Officials say that Centaur Hotel authorities have not responded to Delhi Government’s agenda to comply with the ‘Green Hotel Guidelines’ under which they will have to take specific steps to protect the environment and reduce water and
energy consumption.
As per the Memorandum of Understanding signed by at least 32 five-star hotels, they will have to set up dedicated sewage treatment plant by September 30 for recycling of waste water and ensure “zero discharge”. All the hotels will also have to install solar water heating system and set up facilities for conversion of organic solid waste into compost or biofuel within the prescribed deadline.
The hotels have also been told to develop green belt in their surroundings by September 30.