The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed dissatisfaction with the Noida Authority's plans to increase the usage of treated sewage water. This comes after the Authority revealed in an affidavit that it currently reuses only about one-third of the wastewater it treats, discharging the rest into drains.
Current Wastewater Crisis in Numbers
In an affidavit made public on December 29, 2025, the Noida Authority informed the Tribunal that its eight sewage treatment plants (STPs) treat approximately 260 million litres per day (MLD) of wastewater. However, only 86 MLD of this treated water is being reused for purposes like park irrigation, horticulture, construction, and firefighting. The staggering balance of 174 MLD is released directly into drains, representing a massive waste of a potential resource.
The case originated from a suo motu action taken by the NGT, which had first flagged this issue of underutilisation in May 2025. In its order dated May 15, 2025, the Tribunal had already noted the concerning gap between treatment capacity and actual reuse.
Future Projections Fail to Impress
The Authority presented projections to the NGT aiming to enhance reuse to around 46% of the total treated water. Its initial plan was to add 42 MLD of reuse capacity in phases: 20 MLD by December 2025 and a further 22 MLD by the second quarter of 2026.
However, the Authority has now conceded that reuse has so far begun for only 8 MLD of the planned increase. It revised its estimate, stating that by Q2 2026, total reuse is expected to rise to around 120 MLD. Environmental experts and the Tribunal have found these projections inadequate.
"Even with these projections, the Noida Authority will be far from utilising the treated sewage generated at its sewage treatment plants," the report highlights. Noida-based activist Amit Gupta criticized the approach, stating, "The Authority continues to project future reuse targets without addressing this present non-compliance. Even if all these projections are met... that would still leave nearly 140 MLD of treated sewage water flowing into drains."
NGT's Stern Stance and Next Steps
The NGT was unequivocal in its assessment of the Authority's plans. It recorded that even by the second quarter of 2026, the Authority would not be utilising 50% of the STP treated water as per its existing plan. The Tribunal found the revised roadmap insufficient to solve the current crisis of water wastage and environmental pollution.
The next hearing in this critical matter is scheduled for February 5, 2026. The NGT will likely seek more concrete and immediate action plans from the Noida Authority to bridge the huge gap between treatment and reuse, ensuring that treated wastewater becomes a valuable resource rather than a pollutant.
