Pranav B Prem

The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Central Zone Bench, Bhopal, has disposed of Original Application No. 220/2024 (CZ) filed by Babulal Jajoo, concerning the alleged inflow of untreated domestic sewage into Gandhi Sagar Talab at Bhilwara, Rajasthan, while directing the concerned authorities to ensure timely completion of the sewage diversion project presently under execution

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The matter was heard by a Bench comprising Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh (Judicial Member) and Dr. Sujit Kumar Bajpayee (Expert Member). The applicant had approached the Tribunal alleging that untreated sewage was freely entering the Gandhi Sagar Lake, resulting in pollution and environmental degradation. Earlier, by an order dated 27 October 2025, the Tribunal had directed the Municipal Corporation, Bhilwara, to file a detailed response explaining the steps taken to address the issue.

In compliance with the Tribunal’s earlier direction, the Municipal Corporation, Bhilwara, filed its reply dated 24 October 2025. In its affidavit, the Corporation stated that a detailed assessment of the existing sewage discharge system had been carried out and that a comprehensive project had been formulated for the construction of a wastewater nalla at Gandhi Sagar Talab. The project is aimed at intercepting, diverting and channelising untreated sewage to ensure complete elimination of its discharge into the lake. The Corporation further submitted that the work order had been awarded to Shri Mohammad Arif of Udaipur, the project had commenced on 23 May 2025, and the scheduled date of completion was 22 May 2026, with commissioning targeted by 31 March 2026.

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During the hearing, counsel for the applicant submitted that while there was no objection to the implementation of the project itself, interim arrangements should be made to divert untreated sewage during the pendency of the project to prevent further pollution of the lake. The Tribunal, however, did not agree with the applicant’s request for interim diversion measures. It observed that a scientifically planned and permanent solution was already under implementation and that the projected commissioning date of 31 March 2026 was a reasonable timeline. The Bench held that issuing directions for temporary diversion of untreated sewage was unnecessary in the facts of the case.

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The Tribunal emphasised that the respondents were required to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe and to appropriately manage untreated sewage during the execution period. It recorded that no further directions were warranted at this stage, as the issue was already being addressed through an ongoing, structured project. Accordingly, with the above observations, the National Green Tribunal disposed of the Original Application, directing the authorities to ensure timely completion of the sewage diversion project and proper handling of untreated sewage in the interim period.

Appearance

For Applicant (s): Mr. Lokendra Singh Kachhawa, Adv.

For Respondent(s): Mr. Manav Tanwani, Adv. for R-3 Mr. Arvind Soni, Adv. for R-4

Cause Title: Babulal Jajoo V. State of Rajasthan & Ors.

Case No: Original Application No.220/2024(CZ)

Coram: Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh (Judicial Member), Dr. Sujit Kumar Bajpayee (Expert Member)