Groundwater – NGT Directs UP Authorities to Probe Illegal Water Extraction in Noida
Groundwater – The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the Uttar Pradesh Ground Water Department to examine allegations of unauthorized groundwater extraction in parts of Noida and Greater Noida and proceed with action wherever violations are established under the law.
The direction came during the hearing of a petition that raised concerns over the alleged operation of illegal tube wells and bore wells by private builders, industrial units, and individuals in Sectors 145 and 153 of Noida, along with Sectors 94 and 150 in Greater Noida’s Tech Zone.
Tribunal Advises Complaint Before Competent Authority
The petition was filed by environmental activist Vikrant Tongad, who argued that repeated representations had already been submitted to the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) and other concerned departments. According to the plea, despite several communications requesting intervention, no effective measures were taken to stop the reported extraction of groundwater.
After reviewing the matter, the tribunal observed that the appropriate authority to deal with such complaints is the Uttar Pradesh Ground Water Department. It therefore granted the petitioner permission to submit a detailed complaint supported by relevant documents and evidence before the department.
Verification Ordered Before Legal Action
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, along with expert member Afroz Ahmad, directed the state authority to assess the complaint in accordance with existing legal provisions. The tribunal also instructed officials to conduct physical verification of the locations identified in the complaint.
If inspections confirm that tube wells or bore wells are functioning without legal approval, the department has been directed to initiate suitable corrective and punitive measures. The tribunal emphasized that any action taken must strictly follow legal procedures while ensuring adherence to the principles of natural justice.
The NGT further asked the department to complete the entire process without unnecessary delay so that any environmental violations can be addressed promptly.
Similar Groundwater Matter Pending in Delhi
The latest order comes amid the tribunal’s continued scrutiny of groundwater-related issues in the National Capital Region. Earlier this year, the NGT issued notices to the Delhi government and other authorities over allegations of large-scale illegal groundwater extraction in the Najafgarh area.
That petition alleged administrative inaction and claimed there was a lack of effective enforcement by multiple agencies, including the Delhi Jal Board. The respondents have been directed to submit their replies before the tribunal by July 10 as the proceedings continue.
Other Significant Court Developments
In another judicial order, a Delhi Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded compensation exceeding Rs 1.06 crore to a former Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) employee who suffered severe injuries in a road accident involving a truck in 2021. The tribunal observed that the victim’s permanent injuries had significantly affected his ability to earn a livelihood. The accident had taken place at Dhulsiras Chowk in Dwarka on June 30, 2021.
Separately, the Delhi High Court rejected the bail plea of a man accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting his daughter over nearly a decade. According to court records, the survivor, now 17, alleged that the abuse began when she was around six years old. She later approached the police, leading to the registration of a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Medical reports submitted before the court also referred to diagnoses of dissociative identity disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.