Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of News Item titled "Telangana: Deepening pollution crisis in Godawari threatens lives livelihoods appearing in the Telangana Today dated 13.05.2025" dated 29/05/2025.

The application was registered suo-motu on the basis of the news item titled Telangana: Deepening pollution crisis in Godawari threatens lives livelihoods” appearing in Telangana Today dated May 13, 2025. The news item related to the severe pollution in the Godavari river, particularly in the Telangana region, primarily caused by the unchecked discharge of industrial effluents and untreated sewage.

As per the news item, pollution levels in Telangana's stretch of the river have reached a critical point, with districts such as Adilabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, and Khammam being the worst affected. News item states that factories and public sector units in these areas continue to release untreated effluents directly into the river, leading to high Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels. News items further states that in places like Bhadrachalam, the river water has turned black and emits a foul odor, making it unfit for human use.

The news items highlighted that urbanization and unchecked encroachments along the riverbanks have further contributed to the pollution. As per the news item, deforestation along the river course has also worsened the situation. The news item noted that these environmental issues have led to an increase in health problems among the local population, including skin diseases and gastrointestinal ailments. Despite repeated warnings, the news item states that illegal discharges by industries and public units continue unabated. Furthermore, the news item reports that Maharashtra's 300 km stretch of the Godavari, from Nashik to Paithan, is experiencing extremely high organic pollution, with elevated BOD levels that threaten aquatic life.

The news item stated that agricultural runoff, including fertilizers and pesticides from fields near Nashik and Nanded, flows directly into the river without any filtration. Additionally, the news item reveals that heavy metal contamination in Aurangabad and Paithan has resulted in excessive levels of iron, zinc, nickel, and copper, rendering the water unsafe for consumption.

The news item also highlighted that the pollution crisis is intensifying in Andhra Pradesh, particularly from Rajamahendravaram to the Dowleswaram Barrage, identified as one of the most polluted segments of any river in India. Despite earlier initiatives such as the National River Conservation Plan, the news item concluded that pollution levels remain high across the river.

Telangana State Pollution Control Board; Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Godavari River Management Board was directed by the NGT, May 29, 2025 to file their response on the matter and file their response before the southern bench of the NGT. The court will next hear the case on August 1, 2025.