Rejuvenation Of Yamuna: ‘Situation Far From Satisfactory’, NGT Calls For Fresh Report From Authorities

Observing that “the situation with regard to cleaning of Yamuna is far from satisfactory,” the principal bench of National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed state authorities to file a fresh report.

Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Justice Sudhir Agarwal and Dr. A. Senthil Vel said, “Let the fresh report be filed by all the concerned States/Authorities on or before the next date of hearing with clear indication as to how many drains have been totally trapped and number of remaining drains still discharging treated /untreated/partially treated waste water directly into River Yamuna affecting the water quality with respect to prescribed standards.”

The Tribunal was hearing the plea filed by Nizamuddin West Association for rejuvenation of Yamuna. In pursuance of previous direction of the Tribunal, status reports on behalf of Haryana, GNCTD, CPCB, DJB had been filed.

“As per the Status Report filed by Government of NCT of Delhi the water parameters are still not meeting the norms. The dissolved oxygen (DO) was not found in any location. Still several actions are to be taken which include trapping of all drains, 100% treatment of sewage, laying of sewage network in 1799 unauthorized colonies and 639 JJ Clusters, Industrial effluent management by 13 CETPs, fecal sludge (Septage) management, regulation of flood plain and utilization of treated waste water,” noted the Tribunal.

On a report submitted by CPCB, the NGT said, “... the report is not only cryptic but the facts and figures disclosed do not tally with the reports filed by the other authorities.”

So far as the State of UP is concerned, no report after the previous order of the Tribunal has been filed, added the bench.

NGT stated seven grounds to explain why the reports submitted by the authorities are deficit, including lack of details of the drains discharging into the Yamuna.

While listing the matter for December 07, it directed CPCB to “verify the facts and figures disclosed in the report placed on record by the States and the authorities and file a comprehensive report reflecting the correct position.”

Case Title: Nizamuddin West Association v. Union of India & Ors.