NGT Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Noida Techie’s Drowning, Flags Environmental Violations and Administrative Lapses
Pranav B Prem
The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal at New Delhi has taken suo motu cognisance of a news report relating to the drowning of a software engineer, Yuvraj Mehta, in a waterlogged trench at a commercial site in Sector 150, Noida. Registering the matter as an original application, the Tribunal observed that the facts disclosed in the report indicate prima facie violations of environmental norms and non-compliance with the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
The proceedings were initiated on the basis of a news item titled “Noida CEO Removed CM orders SIT probe into techie’s Drowning” published in The Times of India on January 20, 2026. According to the report, the deceased took a sharp right-angle turn in foggy conditions and fell into a water-filled trench at the site. The land in question, originally allotted for a private mall project, had over the years turned into a pond due to the discharge of rainwater and wastewater from nearby housing societies, resulting in persistent waterlogging.
The news item highlighted prolonged administrative inaction despite the existence of a stormwater management plan prepared by the Irrigation Department in 2015. The plan had proposed construction of a head regulator to divert excess water into the Hindon River. It was reported that funds amounting to ₹13.05 lakh were released by the Noida Authority in 2016 for surveys and preparation of design, and that multiple inspections were carried out. However, the remedial measures were never implemented. As a consequence, water stagnated at the site for years, leading to flooding of basements in nearby residential complexes and posing serious risks to life and the environment.
While considering the matter, the Bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member) noted that the circumstances narrated in the news report point to serious regulatory and administrative failures. The Tribunal observed that the continued waterlogging, absence of effective stormwater discharge mechanisms, and lack of timely intervention by the authorities resulted not only in environmental degradation but also in the tragic loss of human life.
Relying on the decision of the Supreme Court in Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai v. Ankita Sinha & Ors. (2021 SCC OnLine SC 897), the Tribunal reiterated that it is empowered to take suo motu action in matters involving environmental harm and substantial questions relating to implementation of environmental laws. The Bench held that the present case raised significant issues concerning compliance with environmental norms and enforcement of statutory duties by public authorities.
Accordingly, the Tribunal impleaded the Noida Authority, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, the Irrigation Department of the Government of Uttar Pradesh, the Principal Secretary (Environment), Government of Uttar Pradesh, and the District Magistrate, Gautam Budh Nagar, as respondents. Notices were issued to all the respondents, directing them to file their replies by way of affidavits at least one week before the next date of hearing. The Tribunal further directed that if any respondent files a reply without routing it through counsel, the concerned authority must remain virtually present to assist the Tribunal. The matter has been listed for further consideration on April 10, 2026, when the Tribunal will examine the responses of the authorities and consider appropriate directions in the light of the environmental and administrative lapses indicated in the case.
Cause Title: News Item Titled "Noida CEO Removed CM orders SIT probe into techie’s Drowning" appearing in The Times of India dated 20.01.2026
Case No: Original Application No. 52/2026
Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson Hon’ble Dr. A. Senthil Vel, Expert Member
