Taking cognisance of filthy and dirty water flowing in canals, along with rivers Yamuna and Ganga, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a fine of Rs 100 crore on Noida Development Authority and Rs 50 crore on Delhi Jal Board as environmental compensation.
Coming down heavily on the officials of both Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, the Single-Judge Bench of Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel observed that the industries were discharging untreated sewage water in the river with impunity, while the authorities continued to remain mute spectators of serious crimes against humanity. Despite having categorical observations and reports of statutory regulators, not even a single person has been prosecuted,
Calling it a clear failure of the authorities, the , Justice Goel said that the authorities have failed to realise that they were holding positions of high trust, not to just enjoy position and perks at the cost of miseries of innocent citizens.
Reprimanding the two states for the sorry state of affairs of river Yamuna, the NGT asked the Chief Secretaries of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh to investigate the role of the agencies concerned and submit an action-taken report over the same.
NGT will next hear the matter on December 12.
In 2018, one Abhishta Kusum Gupta had moved the Supreme Court against the release of polluted water from industrial areas and densely populated areas in irrigation canals, and rivers Yamuna and Ganga.
The petition had contended that the Noida Authority, Delhi Jal Board and other related agencies were responsible for insufficient efforts to stop the release of polluted water. She demanded a ban on discharge of polluted water in these rivers and irrigation canals.
According to the petition, 215 MLD of contaminated water from different sources reaches Yamuna and later Ganga through Noida Sectors 11, 137, 51, 52, 49 and 168.
The Apex Court asked her to approach the NGT, resulting in the current petition.