Following the directions of National Green Tribunal (NGT) to close down 34 hotels operating along Beas river in Kullu-Manali area without obtaining required permissions and are causing pollution in the river, the board has directed electricity, irrigation and public health departments to snap water and electricity supply to these hotels.

In its earlier order, the tribunal had made it clear that whosoever found throwing or dumping any such material or effluents directly or indirectly into river Beas or its tributaries or even at its banks, will have to pay a sum of Rs 1 lakh as compensation on the basis of "polluter pays" principle. It had accordingly directed the authorities to notify these directions for knowledge and compliance by public at large.

Confirming the development, chairman of pollution control board, Kuldeep Singh Pathania, said that action as per NGT orders has been initiated against hotels causing pollution in Beas river. Other hotels and units located along the river would also be checked to know whether they are also polluting the river, he said.

Following complaints about improper disposal of biomedical waste by private hospitals operating in the state, a team has been constituted under principal scientific officer, which would submit its report within a week. "Initially, these hospitals would be issued guidelines and later, action would be taken against them under water and air pollution Act," he said.