NGT Takes Suo Motu Cognizance Of Sewage Contamination In Drinking Water Across Rajasthan, MP And Uttar Pradesh

National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, New Delhi, has taken suo motu cognizance of serious issues relating to sewage contamination in drinking water reported in multiple news items from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

The matter has been initiated based on two media reports:

“इंदौर जैसी त्रासदी की राह पर राजस्थान शुद्ध पेयजल को तरस रहे हमारे शहर” published in Rajasthan Patrika dated 04.01.2026, and

“Sewage in drinking water in Gr Noida, several fall ill” published in The Times of India dated 08.01.2026.

The news reports highlight alarming conditions where sewage water has mixed with drinking water pipelines due to corroded and decades-old infrastructure. Cities in Rajasthan including Udaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Banswara, Jaipur, Ajmer and Bora have reportedly been affected. Photographs accompanying the reports show drinking water pipelines passing through open sewage drains, creating grave health risks.

The Times of India report further reveals that in Greater Noida (Sector Delta-1), several residents, including children, fell ill with symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea after sewage contaminated drinking water. Authorities reportedly repaired leaks and distributed medicines; however, residents expressed fear of an Indore-like water contamination tragedy. The same report also noted detection of E-Coli bacteria in drinking water in parts of Bhopal, caused by sewage leakage into tube-wells.

The Tribunal observed that the issues raised involve serious environmental and public health concerns and prima facie indicate violations of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

The Bench comprising Hon'ble Mr. Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, and Hon'ble Dr. A. Senthil Vel, Expert Member, has sought responses from concerned authorities of the States of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, including their respective Pollution Control Boards and Regional Offices of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has also been directed to file its response.

The matter will be examined to ensure accountability, compliance with environmental laws, and protection of citizens' right to safe drinking water.

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