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NGT Issues Notice Over Untreated Sewage Discharge into Yamuna in Vrindavan

The National Green Tribunal has issued a notice to authorities over alleged non-compliance with its 2021 order to stop untreated sewage discharge into the Yamuna from Vrindavan and Kosi. An execution application highlighted that pollution control directions and infrastructure improvements have not been implemented. A monitoring committee found water quality downstream in the Mathura-Vrindavan stretch is significantly worse due to these discharges. The tribunal has listed the matter for further hearing on August 4.

Key Points: NGT Notice for Yamuna Sewage Pollution in Vrindavan, Kosi

  • NGT notice for non-compliance
  • Untreated sewage in Yamuna
  • Vrindavan and Kosi pollution
  • 2021 order not enforced
  • Next hearing on August 4
2 min read

NGT issues notice over untreated sewage discharge into Yamuna in UP's Vrindavan, Kosi​

NGT issues notice over non-compliance in stopping untreated sewage discharge into the Yamuna River from Vrindavan and Kosi towns in Uttar Pradesh.

"The quality of water downstream is poorer than that of upstream - NGT Monitoring Committee"

New Delhi, April 22

The National Green Tribunal has issued a notice to authorities on a plea alleging non-compliance with its earlier directions to curb the discharge of untreated sewage into the Yamuna River from Vrindavan and Kosi towns in Uttar Pradesh. ​

A Bench of Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, and comprising Expert Members Dr. A. Senthil Vel and Dr. Afroz Ahmad, was hearing an execution application filed by Vijay Kishor Goswami, through advocate Akash Vashishtha, seeking enforcement of the green tribunal's order dated December 17, 2021, passed in a case concerning pollution of the Yamuna. ​

The applicant has contended that, despite a considerable lapse of time, the NGT's directions to curb pollution and improve sewage treatment infrastructure have not been complied with. ​

Taking cognisance of the grievance, the green tribunal issued notice to the respondents and directed the applicant to serve copies of the plea and file an affidavit of service at least one week before the next hearing. ​

The matter has been listed for further consideration on August 4. ​

The applicant had earlier raised grievances about untreated sewage and wastewater from Vrindavan and Kosi towns being discharged into the Yamuna and the Kosi drain near Sunrakh, highlighting deficiencies in sewage treatment infrastructure. ​

The NGT had, in its earlier proceedings, appointed a monitoring committee headed by a former Allahabad High Court judge, which found that water quality downstream of the Yamuna in the Mathura-Vrindavan stretch was significantly worse than upstream due to the discharge of untreated effluents. ​

"The quality of water downstream is poorer than that of upstream, indicating clearly that the drains falling in River Yamuna in this span are the cause of the deterioration in water quality," the committee had noted. ​

It had also flagged inefficiency in bio-remediation processes, erratic sewage flows, and the need for adequate funding, stricter monitoring, and plantation drives to prevent re-encroachment on cleared land. ​

Taking note of the findings, the NGT had earlier observed that "pollution is continuing and steps taken are inadequate to remedy the situation," and had directed authorities to implement the committee's recommendations, ensure proper functioning of sewage treatment plants, and prevent further discharge of untreated effluents.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Typical story. Committees are formed, reports are written, notices are issued, but on the ground, nothing changes. The article says the next hearing is in August! That's months away. What about immediate action? The pollution doesn't stop for court dates.
A
Aman W
While I fully support cleaning the Yamuna, we also need to be practical. Towns like Vrindavan see massive tourist influx, especially during festivals. The existing sewage infrastructure is from another era. The NGT and courts need to push for modern STPs with clear deadlines and budget allocations. Just issuing notices won't solve it.
S
Sarah B
I visited Vrindavan last year and the state of the river was heartbreaking. You see such devotion on the ghats, and then see the black water flowing just meters away. It's a stark contradiction. Strong, continuous public pressure along with judicial orders is the only way.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, the problem is not just with the authorities. We, as citizens and pilgrims, are also to blame. How many of us think before throwing waste? Cleaning is a two-way process. Authorities must build and maintain systems, and we must stop polluting. Jai Yamuna Maiya.
V
Varun X
The report mentions "erratic sewage flows" and "need for adequate funding". This is the core issue in most of our cities. Planning is haphazard. Until town planning is integrated with environmental sustainability, we will keep facing these NGT cases. Hope the August hearing leads to concrete, time-bound directives.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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