The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has sealed three unauthorised dhobi ghats in the Old Delhi zone as part of a Yamuna pollution crackdown targeting establishments accused of violating environmental norms. The civic body has also begun action against other non-compliant facilities, including possible disconnection of their electricity and water connections.
The enforcement followed a review meeting chaired by MCD Commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar, who directed officials to shut unauthorised dhobi ghats and ensure that authorised facilities comply with environmental requirements. The action focuses on preventing untreated wastewater from entering drains and water bodies connected to the Yamuna system.
Inspection reports identified several deficiencies at the facilities under scrutiny. These included inadequate functioning of effluent treatment plants, failure to obtain consent to operate from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, and the use of soaps and detergents that do not conform to Bureau of Indian Standards norms.
Effluent treatment plants are intended to treat wastewater before it is discharged. Their poor functioning can allow water containing detergents, chemicals and suspended waste to enter the drainage network. In the case of dhobi ghats, the compliance issue is therefore linked not only to the legality of the premises but also to how washing activity is managed and connected to the city’s wastewater system.
The MCD said show-cause notices and compliance notices have been issued to defaulting operators. These notices warn that statutory action, including sealing, may follow if violations continue or are not addressed. The civic body said further action against other establishments would be taken over the next few days in coordination with the police and the administration.
The process of disconnecting electricity and water connections to establishments violating prescribed norms has also begun. The MCD has informed BSES and the Delhi Jal Board about the action, indicating that enforcement will involve coordination between the municipal authority, utility agencies, police and local administration.
Commissioner Khirwar has directed officials to strengthen enforcement and carry out regular monitoring. The immediate administrative focus is on identifying unauthorised operations, checking the functioning of treatment systems and ensuring that authorised dhobi ghats meet pollution-control requirements.
The MCD has urged operators to comply with regulations issued by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee. It has also asked residents to report unauthorised dhobi ghats to the concerned zonal office. The civic body’s next steps include continuing inspections and taking statutory action against establishments found to be operating in violation of the prescribed environmental norms.
