JAMMU: A delegation of All Jammu Hotel and Lodges Association, Jammu today met Chairman, J&K Pollution Control Board, Suresh Chugh here in his office.
The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss various issues of the hotel fraternity in view of long lockdown and COVID-19 pandemic and the directions issued by the National Green Tribunal from time to time.
Member Secretary, J&K PCB apprised the association about the various directions issued by the NGT and Committee of Experts constituted by the Supreme Court. He further elaborated that any deviation shall be viewed seriously by the Courts, which may lead to adverse strictures. He advised all the hoteliers to install STPs as per requirement for more than 19 rooms and also install Bio Digester for bulk waste generations to dispose of waste. He assured that PCB needs compliance to Environmental norms, but clarified that there is no relaxation in the installation of PCDs.
President, All Jammu Hotel and Lodges Association, Pawan Gupta, apprised the Chairman, PCB about the difficulties being faced by the hoteliers due to various reasons and requested him to withdraw the notices issued to 109 hoteliers for violation of rules. He further informed that from last one year there is 90% decline in hotel business, hoteliers required more time to adhere to the various norms of JK PCB. He assured the Chairman that hoteliers will follow the instructions issued by the Board in letter and spirit.
Chairman, JK PCB said that he is aware of the situation in view the reasons mentioned by the hoteliers, but the way various agencies are monitoring the progress, it is difficult for the JK PCB to remain a mute spectator now. He advised the hoteliers to install the PCDs in their hotels within the time period provided to them. He assured of all cooperation from the Board, if the hotel industry shows compliance to environmental norms.
Among others present in the meeting were Chairman, AJHLA, Inderjit Khajuria; Vice President, AJHLA, Virindere Gupta; Cashier, AJHLA, Baldev Raj and Publicity Secretary, AJHLA Swaran Singh Chib.