Yamuna cleaning: Are DJB, Noida Authority claims 'genuine'? 'Need to be verified', says SC

The issue relates to the Kondli irrigation canal, which carries untreated sewage and finally drains into the Yamuna.

The Supreme Court has asked three key pollution monitoring bodies, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), to check whether the claims made by the Noida Authority and the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) about controlling sewage discharge into the Yamuna are actually true. The issue relates to the Kondli irrigation canal, which carries untreated sewage and finally drains into the Yamuna, The Times of India reported.

The division bench, comprising justices Manoj Mishra and Ujjal Bhuyan, directed the two panels to file their reports within six weeks. The apex court was reviewing a previous order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which in August 2022 had imposed an environmental fine of Rs 150 crore, Rs 100 crore on Noida Authority and Rs 50 crore on DJB, for failing to stop sewage from entering the canal. It was stayed by Supreme Court in Nov that year.

Recently, both Noida Authority and DJB filed their status reports, claiming progress in line with directions from the NGT and the apex court’s earlier order dated May 20. But the Supreme Court bench said these reports need to be checked on the ground. The pollution control bodies have been asked to confirm whether the actions mentioned are genuine and visible. If discrepancies are found, the petitioners can submit evidence such as photographs or affidavits so the court can assess the reality. The matter will next be heard on October 10.

Environmental activist Abhisht Kusum Gupta, who filed the petition back in November 2018, said that Noida Authority has informed the court about certain improvements. Out of 30 drains that used to empty into the canal, six have allegedly dried up. Of the remaining 24, five have been tapped to stop sewage flow, while 19 are yet to be addressed. Gupta added that a detailed project report has been prepared for six of these pending drains, and a plan for the other 13 is still being worked out. Gupta added that the progress on cleaning the canal has dragged on as the petition was heard by the top court and the tribunal over the years, TOI reported.