Bhubaneswar, Aug. 2: The Odisha State Pollution Control Board today issued closure notices to 20 hotels in Puri for operating without its approval.

The board's regional officer Hadibandhu Panigrahi told The Telegraph: "The hotels are to be sealed within a week."

Panigrahi visited the Puri town today and discussed the matter with the district and police administration.

According to sections of the air pollution and water pollution prevention laws, it is mandatory for any hotel to obtain the consent of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board for establishment and operations.

But during an inspection, the pollution watchdog came across 120 to 125 hotels across the town that were operating without their consent.

In the first phase, 20 hotels have been served closure notices.

"The same process will follow for other defaulters as well," said Panigrahi.

From time to time, environmental activists have alleged that a large number of hotels in Puri were contributing significantly to the air and water pollution. "The hotels often release wastewater directly into the sea, polluting the beach," said Jagannath Bastia of Beach Protection Council.

The pollution control board had issued closure notice to some Puri hotels for operating without its consent last year as well.

However, a few hoteliers had challenged the order in Orissa High Court and the court had granted a stay on the closure. Later, the court dismissed the case and vacated the stay order.

"After receipt of the high court order on June 20, we have initiated the follow up action. We have given fresh chance to the hoteliers to apply for our consent to operate. However, many hoteliers are yet to comply," said Panigrahi.