MP High Court Issues Notice On PIL Alleging Discharge Of Untreated Sewage Into Narmada River At Jabalpur, High Levels Of Bacteria

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued notice in a Public Interest Litigation raising serious concerns over the large-scale pollution of the River Narmada (formerly Nerbudda) due to the discharge of untreated sewage in Jabalpur city.

The PIL alleges that nearly 98 million litres of untreated sewage water is being discharged ежедневно into the River Narmada, resulting in the presence of harmful bacteria, including faecal coliform, originating from human and animal excreta.

The Division Bench comprising the Chief Justice and Justice Vinay Saraf issued notice to the State of Madhya Pradesh, Municipal Corporation Jabalpur, MP Pollution Control Board, Narmada Valley Development Authority and other authorities after hearing submissions advanced by Senior Advocate Aditya Sanghi.

The petitioner, a practising advocate, contended that unchecked sewage discharge and inadequate waste treatment have rendered river water unsafe for consumption, posing grave public health risks and violating the right to clean drinking water under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The PIL seeks directions for immediate prevention of untreated sewage discharge, effective functioning of sewage treatment plants, regular monitoring and publication of water quality reports, and strict penal action against polluters.

The Court has called upon the respondent authorities to respond to the allegations raised in the petition.

Case: Vinita Ahuja v State of Madhya Pradesh

Case No: WP 1040/2026