The National Green Tribunal on Friday (Nov 2) was told by the Centre that there are some hotels who are complying with the norms with respect to discharge of untreated sewage and that their view that all the hotels were flouting norms was false.

Upon the submissions, the bench headed by Chairperson Adarsh Kumar Goel said “we request you to think of the society, we will survive only if the society survives. Your enjoyment is temporary and short lived. It is our fundamental duty to protect the society”.

The bench was told by the petitioner that during off season, hotels rent out space for mounting the pandals which are used for private parties, dinner parties etc.

“The case is about organising marriage and other social functions without permission. Futhermore, there is no denial of the fact that they are operating without license,” the petitioner contented.

The green regulator was hearing the case related to discharge of untreated sewage by 18 various restaurants/hotels/motels and banquets.

—India Legal Bureau