The Sikkim State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) has set March 31, 2027, as the deadline for hotels, restaurants, guest houses, lodges and similar establishments operating without mandatory environmental consent to regularise their operations.
In a public notice, the board announced a one-time concession allowing establishments to apply for the required Consent to Establish or Consent to Operate by submitting prescribed applications, documents and fees, along with applicable past dues.
Under the scheme, past dues will be limited to the preceding two or three years, depending on the category of establishment and the circumstances of each case. The board will determine the amount payable after verification and assessment, exempting establishments from paying dues for their entire period of operation.
The initiative aims to give existing businesses an opportunity to comply with environmental regulations. However, the board clarified that the concession would neither excuse past violations nor exempt establishments from environmental standards and other statutory requirements.
Applicants must meet the applicable environmental norms and safeguards and submit the necessary records, information and undertakings for their applications to be processed.
The board warned that establishments failing to complete the regularisation process and obtain the required consent or permission by March 31, 2027, would face legal and regulatory action under the relevant environmental laws, rules and regulations without further notice.
The one-time window is intended to bring establishments operating without mandatory approvals within the regulatory framework while ensuring compliance with environmental requirements.
