HRAAP Seeks Overhaul Of Pollution Norms For Hotels, Urges Adoption Of 2025 Guidelines
Visakhapatnam: Hotels and Restaurants Association of Andhra Pradesh (HRAAP) has urged the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) to adopt the revised 2025 environmental guidelines for hotels, stating that the existing 2016 norms are outdated and impose avoidable compliance burden on the hospitality industry.
In a presentation to APPCB chairman Krishnaiah, IAS (Retd.), HRAAP highlighted the regulatory challenges faced by hotels under the existing framework. G. Venkat Krishna, joint managing director of Daspalla Hotels, also attended the meeting.
The association argued that hotels, as service-oriented establishments, generate large amounts of domestic wastewater and biodegradable waste, comparable to residential complexes. It called for hotels to be reclassified under the Green Category or, alternatively, to seek a rational classification system based on actual pollution load rather than number of rooms.
HRAAP also requested exemption from the mandatory installation of separate sewage treatment plants for hotels located in areas with underground drainage systems connected to municipal treatment plants. It was stated that such requirements lead to duplication of infrastructure and impose a heavy financial burden, especially on small and medium-sized hotels.
Additionally, the Association proposed a revision of the permit fee structure by proposing a one-time permit system for hotels with less than 100 rooms, a one-time permit fee, and fees commensurate with the pollution load.
HRAAP president MV Pavan Kartheek said the hospitality sector plays an important role in tourism growth, employment generation and economic development, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. He added that the APPCB Chairman assured the Union that the issues raised will be examined in line with environmental regulations.
