Now hotels asked to follow no-plastic diktat

HYDERABAD: Mayor Banda Karthika Reddy urged hoteliers to avoid use of plastic bags and and help to make Hyderabad a clean and healthy city.At an interaction meeting with owners of star hotels in city on Thursday, the mayor said it was the collective responsibility of all to work for stopping use of plastic, as it is hazardous to public health.She said a team comprising chief medical officer of health, chief veterinary officer, assistant medical officers of health and vigilance inspector would inspect and evaluate parameters for grading star hotels.Hotels would be judged on cleanliness of surroundings (15 marks), results of food samples lifted from hotel kitchens (15 marks), drinking water quality (15 marks), maintenance of kitchen (15 marks), cleanliness of utensils (15 marks), parking facilities (25 marks) and violation of statutory norms and usage of plastics (-10 marks).Deputy mayor Jaffar Hussain said the civic body was concerned about public safety and business promotion of hoteliers and he opined the certification issued by GHMC would help in providing better facilities for customers. Inspections will be carried out regularly based on guidelines of trade licence, without considering grade of the hotels.He further said hoteliers should avoid plastic table covers, other use and throw materials and work towards creating a clean city.