Glare on 89 marriage halls

Guwahati, Aug. 22: Altogether 89 marriage halls in the city are under the scanner of Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) for violating various civic norms.

The GMC had already sealed five marriage halls on August 19 for flouting various norms. These are Kanika Bibah Bhawan at Barowari, Ashirbad Bibah Bhawan at Six Mile, Jon Beli Bibah Bhawan at Chachal and Lakhimi Bibah Bhawan and Nirala Bibah Bhawan, both at Beltola.

The 89 marriage halls, including these five, are under inspection for violating norms related to trade licence, building permits and the required width of the passage to the entrances of these halls.

“At present, we are carrying out checks on 89 marriage halls in the city. Whenever we find them violating any civic norms, we are sealing them. Five halls have already been sealed. Before sealing these buildings, we had served notices to them to adhere to the civic norms within a stipulated time frame. When they failed to comply, the halls were sealed,” said GMC commissioner S. Vishwanathan.

The municipal corporation is also according priority in sealing those marriage halls where violations of civic norms cannot be rectified.

“If a marriage hall violates norms related to renewal of trade licence or getting building permit, they can apply for a fresh licence or permit. The halls are also required to maintain a certain width while constructing the passage to their entrance and many halls have not done so. The passage cannot be widened in many cases for lack of space. So, we are giving priority in sealing such halls,” said Vishwanathan.

Despite repeated reminders, most marriage halls also do not dispose of solid waste generated during weddings and other functions. They litter the waste food and non-biodegradable plates and cups, dirtying the surrounding area and creating problems for local residents.

“We have separate plans to penalise marriage halls that do not dispose of solid waste and litter the surroundings. We will take strict action as they keep on disregarding our reminders to manage solid waste in a proper manner,” he said.