NGT Finds UP Government's Report on Hindon Pollution Incomplete, Seeks Fresh Affidavit
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed dissatisfaction with the Uttar Pradesh government’s report on pollution in the Hindon River, calling it incomplete and lacking critical details. The tribunal raised multiple concerns during the hearing of a petition filed by Abhishek Kusum Gupta, a resident of Sector-137, Noida, who highlighted the continued dumping of industrial waste and untreated sewage into the river.
Key Concerns Raised by NGT:
• The UP Chief Secretary’s report stated that garbage had been removed from key locations and sent to recycling centers in Noida's Sector-25, 64, and 72. However, the tribunal questioned why no detailed report was provided on how the waste was processed.
• The NGT pointed out that 52 out of 55 drains in the Hindon basin continue to discharge untreated sewage into the river.
• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed that the Hindon and its tributaries are still severely polluted, with high levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and fecal coliform, making the water unfit for human use.
• The affidavit mentioned that 366 industries operate in the Hindon river basin, of which 123 were found non-compliant with pollution norms. However, it did not clarify if any environmental compensation was collected from violators.
• The report failed to provide data on water quality test results despite repeated directives from NGT.
Tribunal Demands Action Plan
The NGT has ordered the state government to submit a fresh affidavit within six weeks, detailing:
1. Steps taken to control industrial effluents and untreated sewage discharge.
2. Operational efficiency of sewage treatment plants (STPs) and their connectivity to household sewage systems.
3. Enforcement actions against industries violating environmental norms.
4. A structured plan for implementing CPCB’s recommendations to improve Hindon’s water quality.
Next Hearing Scheduled for May 6, 2025
The UP government has assured the tribunal that a detailed implementation plan will be submitted within the given timeframe. The NGT has set May 6, 2025, as the next date for further hearings.
