The kismet of 40 diners in Hauz Khas Village (HKV) may be decided on Wednesday as the National Green Tribunal (NGT) said that it is likely to pass orders on the plea of restaurateurs for re-opening of their establishments and directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to inspect the sewage treatment plants being set up by the grills in the area.
Nearly 40 grills were shut down on Friday for operating without proper clearance and discharging untreated waste. Justice P Jyothimani agreed to give an early hearing to the plea of the restaurant owners after they claimed that many of them have installed Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs).
The Tribunal, however, observed that there has been “flagrant violation” of norms.
The proceedings saw high drama as many bistro owners who came to the Tribunal became emotional during the hearing and pleaded with folded hands before the bench that they be allowed to run their restaurants.
The bench, however, said its intention is not to shut down the greasy spoons but to ensure the “environment is protected, people get hygienic food, the archaeological status of the area is maintained and proper licencing measures are there.”
“We will decide on Wednesday whether to give you time (to operate) or not,” the bench said and asked the diners to provide their schemes of treating effluents to DPCC, which will study the same and submit a report to the NGT on Wednesday.