HKV loses sheen after outlets' sealing

Sealing these eateries has not only led to big losses for the owners but has affected the livelihood of 700 employees as well

After the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) sealed 21 restaurants in the Hauz Khas Village (HKV) on Saturday, the mood at the upscale market remained sombre on Sunday. Most of these eateries did not have proper environmental clearances, some did not have other licences while none of them followed the waste norms.

The sealing of the restaurants ruined many a plans, including that of a student who was headed to the market to celebrate his birthday. The shutting of his favourite eatery dampened his mood. Taking it in his stride, however, he said: "If the government is taking steps to benefit our environment, then we should cooperate as well."

The HKV Traders Association did not seem to have this benign outlook. "The sealing of these eateries, five of which are not even on the notified commercial street of Hauz Khas Village, is undemocratic and against the very concept of the Ease of Doing Business," Satinder Sarna, President of the association, said.

He added: "We need to have a chance to give our suggestions and work in partnership with the government, rather than being blamed for the inadequacy of the infrastructure. That is the responsibility of the state, for which we pay taxes."

Sealing these eateries has not only led to big losses for the owners but has affected the livelihood of 700 employees as well. The employees have now come out on the streets to protest against the DPCC decision.

Varun Bansal, owner of one of the eateries, Rehab Cafe, said his outlet was sealed even though it had clearances from the MCD Health Department, Delhi Police, Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI), Tourism and Excise Department, and even the Consent to Establish certificate.

"They could not have done it legally or ideally. It only shows that whenever the government mechanism wants, they can shut us down. But why, despite having all these licenses? It seems to be an action taken under pressure rather than on the basis of documents," Bansal said.