The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has issued a clarification regarding consent requirements for restaurants, dhabas, motels, marriage halls, banquet halls, and party lawns. This clarification was issued through an office order.
This clarification amends previous orders to provide greater clarity on categorization and wastewater management. The order is effective immediately.
The HSPCB’s consent procedures, initially amended in December 2020 based on Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) directives, categorize establishments as Red, Orange, Green, and White based on their potential environmental impact. Following directions from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the HSPCB further clarified categorization for food service and event venues in September 2021.
The latest order, based on recommendations from the Board’s Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), clarifies the criteria for establishments generating less than 10 KLD (kilo liters per day) of wastewater. The key change relates to how floor area and seating capacity are applied to Restaurants/Dhabas versus Motels/Marriage Halls/Banquet Halls/Party Lawns:
- Restaurants/Dhabas: Establishments with a minimum seating capacity of 36 and wastewater generation less than 10 KLD are covered under consent management. Floor area is not a determining factor for these types of establishments.
- Motels/Marriage Halls/Banquet Halls/Party Lawns: Establishments with a minimum floor area of 100 m² and wastewater generation less than 10 KLD are covered under consent management. Seating capacity is not a determining factor for these types of establishments.
Wastewater Treatment Requirement
A crucial addition to the previous order mandates that all units covered under the Board’s consent management must provide and install an effluent treatment plant (ETP). The entire wastewater generated from the kitchen, laundry, and domestic sewage must be treated in the ETP. These units are also required to maximize the reuse of treated water and comply with the standards prescribed under the Environment Protection Rules, 1986 (as amended).
