A decision over the 30-odd restaurants in Hauz Khas, which were closed Sep 20 for running without environmental permission, will be made Wednesday, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) said Tuesday, as it directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to check compliance measures taken by the eateries.
Hearing a petition filed by Pankaj Sharma, a bench headed by Justice P. Jyothimani has also asked Delhi Police and the South Delhi Municipal Corporation, which is the license issuing authority, to be present during the hearing Wednesday.
Counsel of restaurant owners pleaded they be allowed to run the restaurants as it is affecting the livelihood of over 2,000 families.
The bench, however, said it has no intention to take away anyone's right to livelihood, but a balance has to be struck.
The NGT Friday shut 34 restaurants for operating without proper clearances, discharging effluents, drawing potable water and causing environmental hazards.