The Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (UKPCB) has initiated a serious clampdown on environmental offences around the prestigious spiritual site Kainchi Dham, whereby some hotels and restaurants have been served show-cause notices on account of alleged environmental pollution in the sensitive ecosystem of the area. The move was as a result of a three-day inspection conducted by a special department team, which toured waste management systems, sampled water, and inspected construction works in the environs.
Officials say about 13 hotels and 5 restaurants have been identified with wrong waste disposal and other charges of releasing untreated effluents into the Shipra River, which is a small yet significant stream of ecological significance that flows near the shrine. A large number of them were found to be operating without sufficient waste-treatment plants, and others were still in the process of construction without getting the required environmental No Objection Certificate (NOC).
The inspection team observed that the influx of tourists at Kainchi Dham has strained the immediate surroundings of this location significantly because the number of visitors visiting per day is usually in the thousands. Uncontrolled and fast development of hospitality infrastructure has aggravated the situation, with some businesses being reported to dump waste directly into the natural water bodies. The authorities termed the infractions as severe and could be detrimental to the environment and the health of citizens.
The establishments have also been allowed one month to respond to the show-cause notices and state why serious action cannot be imposed on them. Lack of adequate clarification can result in fines, closure notices or revocation of licenses.
According to the Pollution Control Board, untreated discharge may negatively affect the water quality, aquatic life and pollute resources that serve the immediate communities. Environmentalists have always cautioned that Kainchi Dham and its neighbourhoods, such as Bhowali, do not have adequate sewage and waste-management systems and, therefore, are prone to ecological destruction as a result of unchecked tourism.
There have also been complaints regarding the effect of pollution on the spiritual and natural beauty of Kainchi Dham, which is also attractive to devotees as far as India and other countries. They stressed the importance of sustainable tourism activities and tougher supervision of business organisations that conduct their activities within ecologically vulnerable hill areas.
The inspection has been reported in detail to the pollution department headquarters in Dehradun to take the necessary action. Authorities stated that the number of surprise checks will increase in the next several weeks so that compliance can be verified.
With the investigation underway, the crackdown can be viewed as a decisive move that will help to maintain the ecological balance of Kainchi Dham, at the same time indicating that the concerns regarding environmental infractions in tourist destinations will not be neglected anymore.
