Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU Mar 9: A delegation of Banquet Hall Association, Jammu province, called on Chairman, JK Pollution Control Board, Suresh Chugh to discuss various issues
The delegation comprising Karan Singh, Chairman, Abhishek Gupta, General Secretary and other office bearers of the Association projected their demands with regard to the installation of STPs, pending Consent to Operate (Renewal), ban on Single Use Plastic, restriction and use of Green Crackers only, Use of DJ upto 10 PM with sound limiters etc.
The Chairman of the Association informed that most of the members have complied with the instructions issued with regard to ban on Single Use Plastics in their respective banquet halls and assured the chair that rest of the instructions shall also be followed fully by all the members of the association.
He requested to consider exemption of installing Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), as majority of the Banquet Halls are small in nature and mainly deal with functions of marriages in stipulated months of the year, as per the ritual.
He said some members who have installed STPs are facing problems of maintenance due to non functioning of STPs during off season. He further informed that huge cost and maintenance of STPs are some of the areas which need consideration of the Board.
The Member Secretary, JK PCB, B. M. Sharma said that National Green Tribunal, in its Order in OA 400 Dt. 20.12.2019, 23.07.2020 and 04.02.2021, clearly mentioned that all Banquet Halls irrespective of capacity have to install STPs in their premises. He advised the members to immediately complete the formalities and apply online for getting Consent to Operate ( Renewal), as the stay order got by the Association shall not sustain for long.
The Chairman, JK PCB, Suresh Chugh said that initially Board had framed guidelines in 2008 to regulate the Banquet Halls in erstwhile State of J&K. But due to clear cut orders issued by the Central Pollution Control Board and NGT, there is no option left for Banquet Hall owners but to install STPs in their premises or get connected with Common Effluent Treatment Plant, otherwise stringent action is required to be taken in view of instructions of NGT viz closure of units, levying of Environmental Compensation etc.
It was suggested that in order to overcome the problem of huge cost and maintenance of STPs being faced by the hall owners, quotations for installation of STPs in bulk collectively can be done and PCB is ready to provide them the technical know-how.
The Association of Banquet Halls assured cooperation in the matter of controlling noise and Solid Waste Management along with STPs.
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