LI Network
Published on: 10 August 2023 at 14:40 IST
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority to present a “further action taken report” within the next three months concerning the advancement of the sewerage network across 93 villages in Greater Noida.
The tribunal’s attention was drawn to a petition filed by Pradeep Kumar and others, who raised concerns about the discharge of sewage onto open lands and roads within these villages. They argued that such actions violated the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
In August 2022, the tribunal observed that while internal drains were provided in these villages, they were not yet connected to the primary sewerage line. As a result, it requested a comprehensive report from the relevant authorities.
The Acting Chairperson of the tribunal, Justice SK Singh, along with Judicial Member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Expert Member A Senthil Vel, acknowledged the GNIDA’s report stating that the provision of free sewerage connections was hampered by the reluctance of locals due to “personal reasons.”
Out of 10,127 houses, only 2,087 applications for sewer connections were received, the tribunal noted. Advocate Akash Vashishtha, representing the petitioners, highlighted that many of these villages were persistently inundated with sewage.
The GNIDA informed that approximately 35 desludging vehicles were deployed and connectivity of the sewerage lines with the Sewage Treatment Plant was targeted for completion by 2027.
In its recent directive, the tribunal indicated, “The GNIDA is directed to submit a further action taken report to the tribunal within three months. The treated sewage water should be effectively utilized for non-potable purposes, agriculture, road cleaning, and similar functions.”
The tribunal urged the authorities to encourage residents to opt for sewerage connections and suggested the consideration of levying a service charge for this service. The directive also emphasized the importance of completing the work within a specified timeframe.
The matter has been scheduled for further proceedings on November 3.