NGT Takes Suo Motu Cognizance Of Sewage Contamination In Drinking Water In Rajasthan, MP And Uttar Pradesh
Pranav B Prem
The National Green Tribunal, Principal Bench at New Delhi, has taken suo motu cognizance of alarming reports concerning sewage contamination of drinking water in several parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, treating the issue as one involving serious environmental and public health implications.
The proceedings were initiated on the basis of media reports highlighting the mixing of sewage water with potable water supplies due to dilapidated and outdated infrastructure. One of the reports, published in Rajasthan Patrika on January 4, 2026, titled “इंदौर जैसी त्रासदी की राह पर राजस्थान शुद्ध पेयजल को तरस रहे हमारे शहर”, flagged widespread contamination risks in multiple cities across Rajasthan. Another report, published in The Times of India on January 8, 2026, titled “Sewage in drinking water in Gr Noida, several fall ill”, detailed incidents of illness linked to contaminated water supplies in Greater Noida.
According to the reports placed before the Tribunal, cities including Udaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Banswara, Jaipur, Ajmer and Bora in Rajasthan have been affected, with visual evidence showing drinking water pipelines running through open sewage drains. The reports attributed the contamination to corroded pipelines and infrastructure that has remained in use for decades without proper replacement or maintenance, thereby posing a serious risk to public health.
The Times of India report further noted that in Sector Delta-1 of Greater Noida, several residents, including children, suffered from vomiting and diarrhoea after consuming contaminated drinking water. Although authorities reportedly carried out temporary repairs and distributed medicines, residents expressed apprehension of a water contamination crisis similar to the Indore incident. The same report also referred to the detection of E-Coli bacteria in drinking water in certain areas of Bhopal, allegedly caused by sewage seepage into tube-wells.
Taking note of these disclosures, the Tribunal observed that the matter raised grave concerns relating to environmental protection and access to safe drinking water. It prima facie found that the situation disclosed potential 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, directed authorities of the States of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to respond to the allegations. The Tribunal also sought responses from the respective State Pollution Control Boards, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and the concerned Regional Offices of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
Emphasising the importance of accountability and compliance with environmental laws, the Tribunal indicated that the matter would be examined to ensure effective remedial action and protection of citizens’ fundamental right to clean and safe drinking water. The case has been registered as an original application and will be taken up for further consideration in due course.
Cause Title: News Item Titled " मध्य प्रदेश में इस साल 15 लाख पेड़ कटेंगे" Appearing in Dainik Bhaskar Dated 08.01.2026
Case No: Original Application No. 20/2026
Coram: Hon'ble Mr. Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, and Hon'ble Dr. A. Senthil Vel, Expert Member
