Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Manoj Mishra Vs. Union of India & Others dated 25/07/2018 regarding pollution in river Yamuna.

On 13th January 2015 NGT had passed an Order for setting up and operationalising STPs to overcome the deficiency in treating the sewerage being discharged in the river Yamuna; checking encroachments and damage to the flood plains; improve the level of BOD and other relevant parameters viz. pH, DO, COD, Total Coliform/Faecal Coliform, Suspended Solids and Ammonia (mg/l) in the Yamuna water in Delhi which was found to be very high. All this was to be completed under the Maily Se Nirmal Yamuna’ Revitalization Project, 2017. The project was to be completed by 31st March, 2017.

NGT observed that that none of the agencies had taken effective steps in terms of the judgment. In-spite of repeated directions in the last more than three years there is no meaningful progress at the ground level. The work for 14 STPs has not even begun at site. With regard to Phase-II, it is stated that 11 drains have been trapped and the effluents are being treated with regard to the said drains. With regard to remaining six drains which drain into Shahdara drain, it is stated that the work for trapping for 5 drains awarded will be completed in December, 2020 except for one which will be completed by 2018. As regards one drain no work has been started. It is stated that the land has not been provided. NGT makes it clear that no objection of any technical nature shall be raised by the Delhi Development Authority and having regard to the fact that land is required for public utility and trapping of drains carrying untreated sewage which is a necessity for public health and an emergency, the land be positively given on or before 01st December, 2018.

The State of Haryana has been directed to file an affidavit indicating the steps taken or proposed for complying with the directions of this Tribunal for ensuring that no untreated pollutants flow into the Najafgarh Drain.