The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has sealed three unauthorised dhobi ghats in the Old Delhi zone as part of a Yamuna pollution crackdown, after inspections identified alleged violations involving wastewater treatment, regulatory consent and cleaning materials.
The action followed a review meeting chaired by MCD Commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar, who directed officials to close unauthorised dhobi ghats and ensure that authorised facilities comply with environmental standards. The civic body said inspections had identified deficiencies in the functioning of effluent treatment plants, obtaining consent to operate from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee and the use of soaps and detergents conforming to Bureau of Indian Standards norms.
Effluent treatment plants are intended to treat wastewater before discharge. In its enforcement instructions, the MCD focused on preventing untreated wastewater from reaching drains and water bodies, including channels connected to the Yamuna. The civic body said officials had also been directed to strengthen enforcement and conduct regular monitoring of such establishments.
The corporation has issued show-cause and compliance notices to defaulting operators. These notices warn that statutory action, including sealing, may follow if violations continue or prescribed requirements are not met. The MCD said action against other non-compliant establishments would be taken over the next few days in coordination with the police and the administration.
The enforcement process also includes disconnection of basic utility services. The MCD said the process of disconnecting electricity and water connections to establishments violating the prescribed norms had begun, and that BSES and the Delhi Jal Board had been informed. The move links civic enforcement with the agencies that control or provide essential services to the affected premises.
The action places regulatory compliance at the centre of the operation of dhobi ghats in the city. According to the MCD, authorised facilities must meet requirements relating to effluent treatment, consent from the DPCC and the use of soaps and detergents that conform to BIS standards. The civic body has asked operators to comply with DPCC regulations and warned that further violations could result in statutory action.
The MCD has also appealed to residents to report unauthorised dhobi ghats to the concerned zonal office. It said regular monitoring would continue as officials coordinate with the police, the administration, BSES and the Delhi Jal Board. The next phase of action is expected to cover other establishments found to be non-compliant during the ongoing enforcement exercise.
