The Supreme Court has intervened in a critical environmental case concerning sewage treatment in Noida, directing the Uttar Pradesh state government to submit a formal affidavit. The court seeks clarification on whether land was officially transferred to the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam for constructing a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in the Khoda-Makanpur municipal council area.
Court's Directives and Next Hearing Date
A division bench comprising Justice Manoj Mishra and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued these orders. The bench was responding to a report from a joint inspection team of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB). This team was formed following the court's August 13 order to verify Noida's claims regarding sewage discharge. The court has fixed January 21 as the next date of hearing for the civil appeal filed by the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (Noida).
During the proceedings, Noida's counsel argued that while land for the STP was allocated to the Khoda-Makanpur Municipality, it was never formally handed over to the UP Jal Nigam. "In such circumstances, a response from the state govt is required. We deem it appropriate to issue notice to the state govt, returnable in two weeks," the court stated, mandating the state to file its response via an affidavit.
Background: The Rs 100 Crore NGT Fine
The legal battle stems from a hefty penalty imposed on Noida by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The NGT had slapped an environmental cost of Rs 100 crore on the authority for its failure to prevent untreated sewage from flowing into the Kondli irrigation canal. This polluted water eventually empties into the already stressed Yamuna river. Noida has challenged this fine in the Supreme Court, leading to the current proceedings.
Pollution Boards Ordered to Test Water Samples
In a significant move to ascertain the on-ground situation, the apex court also directed the CPCB and UPPCB to collect and analyze water samples within two weeks. The order specifically targets the inlet and outlet points of eight STPs located within Noida's command area. The pollution control boards must submit a detailed report of their findings to the court. This directive aims to get an independent and scientific assessment of the sewage treatment efficiency in the region.
The Supreme Court's active monitoring of this case underscores the serious environmental and public health implications of untreated sewage discharge. The upcoming state government affidavit and the pollution board reports will be crucial in determining the future course of action and accountability in the long-standing issue of Yamuna river pollution.
