NGT issues notice to 3 States over contamination of water, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) addressed sewage contamination in drinking water in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Notices were issued to the governments of the 3 states and other agencies to file affidavits on the matter.
• Cities in Rajasthan, including Udaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Banswara, Jaipur, Ajmer and Bora, are reportedly affected.
• Residents in Greater Noida and Bhopal have fallen ill due to contaminated water, with E-coli bacteria detected in Bhopal.
• The NGT noted that the issue involves violations of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

Detailed Insights:

• The NGT took suo motu cognisance of the issue based on multiple news reports highlighting sewage contamination in drinking water.
• Decades-old and corroded infrastructure has caused sewage water to mix with drinking water pipelines in several cities.
• The reports included photographs showing drinking water pipelines passing through open sewage drains, creating grave health risks.
• In Greater Noida, residents experienced vomiting and diarrhoea after drinking water was contaminated with sewage.
• The detection of E-coli bacteria in drinking water in parts of Bhopal was caused by sewage leakage into tube-wells.
• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has been directed to file a response to the issue.
• This contamination poses serious environmental and public health concerns, potentially leading to waterborne diseases and other health issues.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Suo Motu Cognisance: The power of a court to take up a matter on its own, without waiting for a formal complaint.
• Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Legislation providing a framework for environmental protection and improvement.
• Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: Legislation to prevent and control water pollution and maintain water quality.