Overview
- At a January 28 meeting in Sonipat, Environment Minister Rao Narbir Singh cautioned Murthal dhaba operators that violations could draw penalties calculated from the date of construction to the date of inspection.
- Dhabas must install and operate STPs or connect to CTPs, obtain consent to establish and operate from HSPCB, and ensure no untreated sewage reaches drains, land or water bodies.
- Operators running without Change of Land Use permission were told to complete CLU documentation and taxes, and those with CLU approvals were reminded they remain fully subject to environmental norms.
- HSPCB secretary Yogesh Kumar was directed to confer with the board’s leadership promptly to address compliance concerns raised by owners and to coordinate next steps.
- The government presented the drive as environmental protection rather than a blow to business and urged dhabas to adopt eco-friendly practices voluntarily.