The Regional Pollution Control Board has issued notices to 12 hotels, restaurants and flat-related establishments in and around Kaichi Dham after inspectors found major gaps in sewage treatment and environmental compliance.

The action followed a joint survey in Nainital district. Officials found that some properties had no sewage treatment plant (STP), while systems installed at other locations were not operating properly.

The notices also relate to solid-waste management requirements and the mandatory pollution-control licence. The establishments have been asked to explain the reported violations and take steps to meet environmental standards.

Properties covered by the inspection

The inspection identified the following groups of properties:

  • 6 flats under construction in Shyamkhet, Bhowali.
  • 3 hotels in the Kaichi Dham and Bhowali areas.
  • 3 hotels in Ramnagar.

The findings mean that the notice action extends beyond the immediate Kaichi Dham area to nearby Bhowali and Ramnagar. The material available does not identify the establishments individually.

Board warns of further action

Regional Pollution Control Board regional manager Anurag Negi said notices had been sent to all concerned units. The establishments were directed to comply with pollution-control requirements with immediate effect and submit their explanations within the prescribed period.

The board has warned that unsatisfactory replies or failure to correct the systems could trigger further legal action. Possible measures mentioned include substantial fines, taking matters to court and sealing the establishments where necessary.

The notices are regulatory action based on inspection findings. They do not, by themselves, establish a final court determination against any of the affected operators.

Conclusion

The board’s next step will depend on the explanations submitted by the 12 establishments and whether they correct the reported STP, waste-management and licensing deficiencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How many establishments received notices?

The Regional Pollution Control Board issued notices to 12 establishments.

Q. Which areas are involved?

The properties are in and around Kaichi Dham, Bhowali and Ramnagar in Nainital district.

Q. What did the joint survey find?

Inspectors found properties without STPs, along with installed systems that were not functioning properly.

Q. What other compliance issues were reported?

The inspection also found concerns involving solid-waste management and the required pollution-control licence.

Q. Who provided details of the action?

Regional Pollution Control Board regional manager Anurag Negi provided the details.

Q. What can happen if the responses are unsatisfactory?

The board has warned of heavy fines, court action and possible sealing of establishments.