NGT Takes Suo Motu Cognizance Of Report On Malwa Water Crisis
Pranav B Prem
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Principal Bench at New Delhi has taken suo motu cognisance of a news report published in The Tribune highlighting the ongoing water pollution crisis in Punjab’s Malwa region. The report, titled “Explainer: Why Malwa is facing polluted water crisis”, published on April 29, 2025, brought to light the alarming deterioration of water quality in several districts of the state. Taking note of the article, the Tribunal registered Original Application No. 243/2025 on its own motion and issued notices to the Central and State authorities responsible for environmental regulation and water supply.
The matter was heard by a Bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson), Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi (Judicial Member), and Dr. Afroz Ahmad (Expert Member) on May 16, 2025. The Tribunal recorded that the issue raised in the media report concerns a serious water pollution problem affecting canals across the districts of Ferozepur, Faridkot, Muktsar, and Fazilka in the Malwa belt of Punjab.
The situation, as per the news report, stems from the inflow of polluted water into the Sirhind Feeder Canal, which originates from the Harike Barrage. The Harike Barrage is situated at the confluence of the Sutlej and Beas rivers. It has been reported that the Sutlej is severely contaminated due to the discharge of untreated wastewater from Buddha Nullah, a polluted stream that flows through the industrial city of Ludhiana. Furthermore, the reduced water level in the Beas River is cited as a reason for the concentration of pollutants in the flowing water.
The Tribunal took note of the report's findings that contaminated canal water is being used both for irrigation and human consumption, posing a direct risk to public health. The article highlighted threats such as stunted crop growth, reduced agricultural yield, and the potential rise in skin and gastrointestinal diseases. It further emphasized that the Malwa region is already known as the “cancer belt,” underscoring the health implications of water pollution.
Referring to the testing measures already underway, the Tribunal noted that agencies including the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), the Department of Water Supply and Sanitation, the Water Supply and Sewerage Board, and the Water Resources Department had reportedly begun collecting water samples for quality assessment.
In view of these developments, the Tribunal observed that the issues raised involve substantial questions relating to the enforcement of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. It invoked its jurisdiction under the authority recognized by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors [2021 SCC Online SC 897], which upheld the NGT’s power to initiate suo motu proceedings.
The Tribunal impleaded the following authorities as respondents in the matter:
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) – Through its Member Secretary, Parivesh Bhawan, East Arjun Nagar, Delhi
Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) – Through its Member Secretary, Head Office, Vatavaran Bhawan, Patiala
Department of Water Supply and Sanitation, Punjab – Through its Principal Secretary, Water Supply Complex, Mohali
The Bench directed that notice be issued to all three respondents, who have been asked to file their responses in the form of an affidavit at least one week before the next date of hearing, which has been fixed for 18 September 2025. It was also specified that if any respondent chooses to file the reply directly without routing it through their legal representative, such respondent must remain virtually present to assist the Tribunal on the hearing date.
Cause Title: News Item titled "Explainer Why Malwa is facing polluted water crisis appearing in The Tribune dated 29.04.2025"
Case No: Original Application No. 243/2025
Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Prakash Shrivastava [Chairperson], Hon’ble Mr. Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi [Judical Member], Hon’ble Dr. Afroz Ahmad [Expert Member]
[Read/Download order]
