Many roadside food stalls and restaurants in the State capital are neither taking permission from the Pollution Control Board (PCB) nor following environmental norms. They are blowing poisonous smoke in the open without any permission and are also mixing their dirty water directly into the drains without treating it in Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP). In the wake of increasing air pollution, NGT has issued notices to more than 10 restaurants along with the District Collector and Municipal Commissioner. It has sought answers as to whose permission these restaurants are blowing smoke in the open. A committee has also been formed to investigate. Representatives of Bhopal Municipal Corporation, Central Pollution Control Board and Food Safety Department. National Green Tribunal (NGT) Central Zone Bench has given these instructions after taking cognizance of the letter petition of Prateek Bhosle. It has been said in the petition that no permission is being taken by the roadside restaurants for establishment and operation.

 

The guidelines issued by Central Pollution Control Board are also not being followed by them. They are burning wood and coal in the open tandoor and blowing smoke. There is no provision for proper ducting and hood for this. Meat and other food items are being prepared in the open on these. Due to this, a large amount of poisonous smoke is directly entering the air. These restaurants are also violating solid waste management rules. Along with this, they are also spreading water pollution because they are mixing their water directly in sewer lines or drains. None of the restaurants have ETP or effluent treatment plant. It has been told in the petition that the restaurant and the municipal corporation have been informed about the violation of rules through letters several times but no action was taken.

 

PCB also wrote for action. NGT has directed Bhopal Municipal Corporation to answer why action was not taken against these restaurants despite PCB giving information. An answer has been sought within three weeks as to how these restaurants are running without PCB’s consent. Notice issued to these restaurants: National Green Tribunal has issued notices to all the restaurants located in Ashoka Garden. These include KMC, Nice Restaurant, Ba Dastur, Sigdi, The Nayaab, The Golden Biryani, Zamzam, Zaika, The Manch Box, Balbir Da Dhaba, Dadaji Hotel and The Usman.