Latest news with #HSPCB
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Bars, eateries operate from revoked SCOs in Gurugram Sec 29, despite violations
Despite multiple occupation certificates (OCs) being revoked over the past two years, bars, restaurants, and retail outlets continue to operate openly from shop-cum-office (SCO) properties in Gurugram's Sector-29—exposing lapses in enforcement by the excise department, fire safety authorities, and Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB). Documents accessed by HT show that OCs for SCO Nos. 27, 28, and 53 were cancelled between 2021 and 2025 for a range of violations, including unauthorised basement use, illegal fourth-floor construction, and zoning infractions. In a January 18, 2022 order against SCO No. 28, Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) even directed disconnection of water and sewer lines and initiated proceedings to reclaim the premises. Yet, at least five bars continue to operate from these properties—some even from basements, which HSVP norms allow solely for storage. A major fast-food chain and other restaurants have also set up shop in spaces designated strictly for hotel use. 'The building codes clearly specify that basements in HSVP markets are to be used for storage only. Running bars or spas in these spaces is not just a violation—it's a safety risk,' said a senior HSVP official, speaking on condition of anonymity. What's raising eyebrows is that several of these establishments continue to hold valid liquor licences and pollution clearances. 'How is the excise department issuing fresh liquor permits when the very building's occupancy certificate has been revoked? Why is the Pollution Control Board giving operating consent for such places?' asked Rajeev Yadav, Supreme Court advocate and president of NGO Adhikaar – The Rights Path, who has filed multiple complaints to both state and central bodies. Adding to the chaos, the back lanes of the market are blocked, hawkers have overtaken the main parking area, and an animal-themed safari cart inexplicably roaming through the market, what was once envisioned as a premium leisure zone now teeters on the edge of chaos. Environmental violations are also rampant. Green belts around Leisure Valley Park—a designated buffer and public space—have been encroached upon with illegal concrete structures and boundary walls. Earlier inspections by district nodal officer RS Batth had flagged these, but no demolitions or follow-up actions have occurred, activists said. 'It's become a concrete carnival,' said Roma J Vinayak, an environmental activist. 'The unchecked commercial creep into green areas has gutted Gurugram's urban cooling systems. And for what? Basement bars?' Activist Vaishali Rana said, 'Sector-29 was once a model of planned urban space. Today, it's a chaotic maze of unauthorised constructions and blatant misuse of land. The silence of regulatory is choking Gurugram's ecological lungs.' Urban planners warn that the issue is no longer confined to Sector-29. The trend of converting office basements into nightlife hubs is spreading—especially along Golf Course Extension Road. One such property, run by a former international cricketer, operates a high-end pub in an SCO marked for office use. 'This open defiance of zoning norms by celebrity ventures sets a dangerous precedent,' said Yadav. The matter has now reached the Chief Minister's Flying Squad and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), prompting activists to demand action beyond toothless show-cause notices. Akansha Tanwar, regional officer of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), said, 'We will initiate inspections and take appropriate action against any violations.' Gulshan Kalra, deputy director (technical), Haryana Fire and Emergency Services, said the department would launch a detailed fire safety survey. 'Our mandate includes ensuring equipment is in place, but we'll also examine unauthorised activity.' Vaishali Singh, HSVP administrator, acknowledged the issue. 'The matter is under our notice. We have directed the estate officer concerned to check the premises. If violations are found, strict action will follow.'
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Hold your breath! Sewage dumped in open spaces, Gurgaon condo residents fume
Gurugram: You cannot walk in the area "without holding your breath", Jaswant Rao says. The RWA president of BPTP Astaire Gardens in Sector 70A is livid. He is not alone. Rampant illegal dumping of untreated sewage in open spaces behind E Block and the adjoining under-construction site has prompted residents to raise the alarm. However, "no action was taken" despite several complaints, they say. "The govt talks about Swachh Bharat but allows untreated sewage to fester behind people's homes," Rao said, adding, "We have been raising our voices for months now." The residents accuse nearby societies of flouting environmental norms by discharging raw sewage directly into open land instead of disposing of it at the designated Berhampur Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). "This is not just environmental negligence, it's criminal apathy. The stench from untreated sewage accumulated is overpowering. The groundwater is at risk and residents — especially children and seniors — are falling sick. We filed complaints, gave photographic evidence, yet the authorities have remained silent spectators. Even the STPs infrastructure is not maintained properly," general secretary of RWA Aruni Shukla said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The dumping site lies dangerously close to occupied residential areas. Residents say it has become a breeding ground for waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid and mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria. HSPCB regional officer (Gurgaon South) Krishna Kumar said that the matter was not brought to his knowledge yet. "As per the norms, residential societies are mandated to treat the sewage water at STP and then use it for horticulture and dual plumbing systems. Any excess water should be disposed of at the designated STP for treatment. However, I will get the matter checked," he said. The residents have demanded immediate intervention and warned they would take the matter to the green court. Shukla said, "We have taken up the matter with the chief minister, urging his intervention and demanding the immediate halting of sewage discharge into open land, initiating penal action against violators and probing the involvement of officials who are involved." "If authorities cannot protect our health and environment, we are left with no choice but to go to court," Shukla said.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
NO2 levels in city's air three times higher than safe limits
Gurgaon: Concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) -- a pollutant emitted by burning fuel in vehicles, power plants and industries – exceeded the maximum safe limit by three times in the past two days. Data from the Gwal Pahari air quality monitoring station showed that average NO2 for eight hours was 133µg/m³ on Thursday and 123µg/m³ on Friday. In India, the safe limit for exposure to NO2 is 40µg/m³. The maximum concentration considered safe by the World Health Organization is even lower, at 25 µg/m³. Experts said emissions from vehicles, especially in congested areas, is likely to be the key reason for NO2 pollution. They said NO2 does not get as much regulatory attention as other pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), though it is associated with exacerbating respiratory ailments. Shubhansh Tiwari, a research associate at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said on Friday, "Elevated NO₂ levels in the city are predominantly due to vehicular emissions. Old vehicles and traffic congestion are key sources of NO2 here." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Asked about action taken to reduce NO2 emissions, an official of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) said the agency has allowed a private firm to scrap old vehicles. "This aims to remove polluting vehicles from city roads," the official said. A senior HSPCB official said NO2 levels are likely to have spiked after brief relief due to pre-monsoon showers. "The recent rains had kept nitrogen dioxide levels in check by dispersing pollutants. But with clear skies and calmer weather now, NO2 from vehicular and industrial emissions is building up, especially in traffic-dense areas. Unlike particulate matter, NO2 often flies under the radar, but prolonged exposure can be equally hazardous," the official said. Currently, just one of the four air quality monitoring stations is functioning in the city. Dr Bandana Mishra, who heads the pulmonology and respiratory medicine department at Manipal Hospital in Gurgaon said everyone is at risk from high NO2 exposure, but children and the elderly suffer the most. "Nitrogen dioxide exposure can lead to increased inflammation of the airways, which results in persistent cough wheezing, reduced lung function and a higher frequency of asthma attacks," Dr Mishra said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Hindustan Times
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Gurugram enforces firecracker ban based on SC, state orders
The district administration on Wednesday imposed a complete and immediate ban on the sale, storage, manufacture, transport, and use of firecrackers across Gurugram, in compliance with Supreme Court directions and a Haryana government directive aimed at reducing air and noise pollution in the National Capital Region. Deputy commissioner Ajay Kumar said enforcement teams have been constituted at both the district and sub-division levels. 'Strict instructions have been issued to all enforcement teams to act without delay against any violation,' Kumar said, urging public cooperation and vigilance. The action follows the Supreme Court's April 3, 2025, order in WP (C) 13029/1985 – MC Mehta v. Union of India, which imposed a year-long ban on firecrackers—including green crackers—across Delhi-NCR under Article 21 (right to a pollution-free environment). The court also directed the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh to enforce the ban under Section 5 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986. Aligning with the SC's ruling, Haryana had already issued its own directive on December 19, 2024, enforcing the same ban across NCR districts. The district-level enforcement committee, headed by the deputy commissioner and convened by the regional officer of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), includes officials from police, fire, education, and public relations departments. These teams will monitor illegal sales, seize banned stock, dispose of it safely under the Explosives Rules, 2008 Sub-divisional teams—led by magistrates and supported by deputy commissioners of police, tehsildars, block development officers, fire officers, and education officers—will conduct rural and ground-level enforcement. All seized firecrackers must be documented and disposed of within 48 hours, with reports submitted to the DC and HSPCB, officials added. Violators face penalties under Section 15 of the Environment Protection Act (up to ₹15 lakh), BNS Section 233 (disobedience to public order), and the Explosives Act, 1884, including imprisonment. Premises may be sealed, stock confiscated, and FIRs registered, state officials said. Gurugram residents can report violations via email (hspcbrogrn@ X (@HspcbN), or WhatsApp (+91 9084220708, +91 9466777145). Complaints will be acknowledged within 24 hours and addressed within 48. The district committee will review enforcement monthly, officials said.
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Gururgam's Sec 29 pubs running on diesel gensets under HSPCB scanner
Several high-profile pubs, restaurants, and clubs in Sector 29 are operating illegally, violating a host of environmental and civic norms, despite official action from authorities. The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has found multiple outlets functioning without the mandatory Consent to Operate (CTO), and many are still running on banned diesel generators despite having their electricity disconnected. According to officials, over a dozen restaurants, and pubs are in violation of the environmental norms. They added that these violations have caused them to seal six of these establishments. 'Diesel gensets are a serious pollutant, and only CNG-based backup is allowed in non-attainment cities like Gurugram. These outlets are openly flouting rules,' said an HSPCB official, requesting anonymity. Under the National Clean Air Programme, diesel gensets are barred in such zones due to their impact on air quality, officials added. Adding to the violations, several establishments are operating without occupation certificates (OC) issued by the pollution board and lack sewage treatment plants (STPs)—or have only claimed to install them on paper. According to HSPCB officials, solid and liquid waste from kitchens is being dumped in open areas including green belts, parking lots, and even stormwater drains adjacent to Leisure Valley, leading to sanitation hazards and clogged sewer say many of these establishments have been operating without an OC for at least two months. HSPCB regional officer Akansha Tanwar said the department had issued multiple notices and sealed kitchens. 'We have disconnected power in certain outlets and are planning surprise inspections. Anyone found operating illegally will face strict action under the Environmental Protection Act,' she said. 'Sector 29 has become a cesspool of unchecked dumping. You can smell the decay from the main road,' said Rajeev Yadav, a Supreme Court advocate and environmental activist. 'The administration has failed miserably. Expect boats, not cars, to enter the market once the monsoon arrives,' he added. Environmental activist Vaishali Rana echoed similar concerns. 'No pub can get CTO without an OC and an STP—yet they're all running with impunity. What example are we setting for the rest of the city?' she asked. However, pub managers claimed they were pushed into a corner. 'The electricity disconnection has crippled us. We are operating on gensets because we've had zero business for weeks,' said one manager, requesting anonymity. Another added, 'This is peak season. Give us a window to comply instead of abruptly cutting power.' Local RWAs and councillors are now demanding coordinated action. 'You can't have a lawless hospitality zone in the middle of the city,' said Anoop Singh, MCG councillor from Ward 25. 'This is a public health issue.'
