Pranav B Prem

The National Green Tribunal has taken suo motu cognizance of a shocking incident reported on July 4, 2024, when thousands of dead fish were discovered along the banks of the Yamuna in Delhi’s Burari. The mass mortality created unbearable stench and inconvenience for nearby residents and prompted the Tribunal to register Original Application No. 923 of 2024 based on the Jagran.com news report. The matter was heard on September 17, 2025 by a Bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member).

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Incident and Initial Findings

The death of fish was linked to the sudden inflow of highly polluted water into the Yamuna, reportedly containing chemical-laden discharges from factories. A joint inspection report filed by the District Magistrate (Central), Delhi, in June 2025, confirmed that untreated industrial effluents and unauthorized discharges through adjoining drains had drastically reduced dissolved oxygen levels, leading to large-scale fish mortality. The District Magistrate highlighted that the event had caused not only ecological damage but also serious public nuisance, as villagers endured unbearable odor and disruption of daily life.

Jurisdictional Disputes Between Delhi and Haryana

The proceedings revealed jurisdictional wrangles between authorities in Delhi and Haryana. The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) and the State of Haryana sought to distance themselves from liability, contending that there was no evidence linking their territory to the Burari stretch. They argued that responsibility rested with Delhi-based authorities. Conversely, Delhi authorities pointed to the broader issue of industrial pollution and untreated discharges affecting the Yamuna’s water quality. This blame-shifting led the Tribunal to observe that “the Authorities of the State of Haryana and Delhi are shifting the responsibility on each other”

NMCG’s Stand Rejected

The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) attempted to argue that responsibility for the Burari stretch rested with the River Rejuvenation Committee. The Tribunal, however, rejected this stand, pointing to the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016.

It noted that Clause 4 of the 2016 Order requires restoration and maintenance of the chemical, physical, and biological quality of waters in a time-bound manner, extending to the Ganga and its tributaries, including the Yamuna. Under Clause 38, NMCG has duties to undertake necessary actions for rejuvenation, while Clause 39 sets out its functions, including effective coordination between states and central agencies. The Tribunal held that NMCG “cannot be absolved of its responsibility by making such a statement” shifting accountability elsewhere.

Directions Issued

Given the conflicting stands, the Bench directed the Member Secretary, CPCB to hold a joint meeting with the authorities of both Delhi and Haryana. The purpose is to fix responsibility for the incident and chalk out a program to prevent recurrence. The Tribunal ordered that a compliance report be filed within eight weeks and listed the matter for further consideration on December 1, 2025.

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The NGT’s intervention has shifted the focus from jurisdictional disputes to coordinated accountability. By placing the onus on CPCB to convene Delhi and Haryana authorities and by affirming NMCG’s legal responsibilities, the Tribunal has made clear that such environmental tragedies cannot be brushed aside. For now, the case has been disposed of with directions to CPCB and listed for monitoring on December 1, 2025, keeping alive the question of how effectively agencies will act to prevent future mass fish deaths in the Yamuna.

Appearance

Counsel for the Respondents: Mr. Mohit Singhal, Mr. Narender Pal Singh, Mr. Gigi. C. George, Ms. Jyoti Mendirata, Ms. Ananya Basudha, Mr. Rahul Khurana, Mr. Nirmal Kumar, Advs.

Cause Title: News Item titled “Delhi News Burari mein Yamuna nadee kinare mrit avastha mein milee hazaaro machhliyan, durgandh se gramin pareshan”

Case No: Original Application No. 923/2024 

Coram: Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson), Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member)