NGT Mandates Delhi Agencies to Curb Sewage Flow into Yamuna River
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a directive for enhanced coordination between the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (Dusib) to immediately halt the discharge of untreated sewage into the Barapullah drain, which ultimately contaminates the Yamuna River. This order aims to address a critical environmental issue affecting water quality and public health in the national capital.
Identification of Pollution Sources and Proposed Solutions
During the tribunal hearing, the DJB presented findings identifying eight slum clusters as primary sources discharging raw sewage directly into the Barapullah drain. To tackle this problem, the DJB has sought assistance from Dusib to consolidate these multiple discharge points into single exit points for each cluster. This strategic move is intended to facilitate the installation of modular decentralized sewage treatment plants (DSTPs) at these locations, ensuring efficient treatment before the sewage reaches the drain.
The bench, led by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A Senthil Vel, has instructed both departments to submit a detailed progress report within one week following the next hearing scheduled for April 15. This step underscores the tribunal's urgency in monitoring compliance and ensuring timely action.
Legal Proceedings and Agency Cooperation
In an interlocutory application, the DJB formally requested directions for Dusib to engage in joint efforts to physically intercept and trap sewage from the identified JJ Clusters. The application emphasized the need for Dusib to provide single discharge points and file a compliance affidavit to document their actions. Representing Dusib, counsel informed the tribunal, based on instructions from the chief engineer, that the board does not oppose the relief sought by DJB.
Given this submission, the NGT allowed the application and directed Dusib to act in accordance with the DJB's requests. The tribunal highlighted the DJB's assertion that Dusib must establish a single discharge point from each of the eight clusters to enable the setup of modular DSTPs. In its February 3 order, the NGT explicitly stated, "Learned counsel appearing for DJB has further submitted that Dusib is required to provide a single discharge point from each of the said 8 JJ Clusters for setting up the modular DSTP. Since, in spite of the opportunities, Dusib is not placing its stand on record, therefore, we direct it to take appropriate action on the above submission of DJB expeditiously."
Implementation Timeline and Future Monitoring
The DJB has committed to installing the DSTPs within a six-month timeframe, aiming for rapid deployment to mitigate pollution. To ensure accountability, the NGT has ordered both agencies to file status and progress reports at least one week prior to the next hearing. This ongoing oversight is designed to prevent delays and promote effective collaboration between the DJB and Dusib in safeguarding the Yamuna River from further contamination.
This directive marks a significant step in environmental governance, focusing on inter-agency coordination to address urban sewage challenges and protect vital water resources in Delhi.
