DPCC report on eating joints in Satya Niketan area of Delhi, 20/03/2020

Action taken report by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) in the matter of V. D. Yadav & Others Vs Govt. Of NCT of Delhi dated 20/03/2020 in pursuance to the National Green Tribunal order of February 17, 2020.

The matter relates to eating joints in Satya Niketan area of Delhi not complying with environmental norms. An inspection was carried out by the joint teams of South Delhi Municipal Corporation and DPCC in the months of February and March 2020.

The joint inspection teams have observed that the eating joints in the area are small and tiny in nature and mainly cater to the nearby college students of South Campus of Delhi University. 76 eating joints were inspected, out of which 23 eating joints have been issued directions for closure under section 33 (A) of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and 31 (A) of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 including disconnection of electricity, water supply of these eating joints. These eating joints were operating without valid consent to operate and also found non-compliant with respect to environmental norms during inspection.

22 eating points are very small with a seating capacity of less than 10 and some of them are only takeaway joints. These tiny units have been advised to obtain consent before resuming their operations. Apart from the above, show cause notices were issued to 45 eating joints “to show cause as to why Environmental Compensation should not be imposed for operating without consent and causing pollution.”

Further, 16 eating points are operating with consent and 15 eating joints were found sealed/closed/under renovation. These 15 eating joints would be inspected after two months to ascertain their operational status.