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Yamuna Pollution: Noida's Untreated Sewage Flows Unchecked
23 May
Summary
- Untreated sewage continues to flow into the Yamuna river system from Noida.
- Malfunctioning sewage treatment plants and incomplete drain trapping are primary causes.
- The Supreme Court is reviewing Noida's and Delhi Jal Board's appeals against environmental penalties.
Untreated sewage from Noida persists in flowing into the Yamuna river system, contravening repeated court directives. Amicus curiae K Parameshwar's note to the Supreme Court highlights incomplete drain trapping and malfunctioning sewage treatment plants as the drivers of this pollution.
The situation is under scrutiny as Noida and the Delhi Jal Board appeal a 2022 National Green Tribunal order imposing environmental compensation. The tribunal had directed that drains not be used for sewage discharge and identified specific drains to be diverted to existing treatment facilities.
Inspections revealed that while Noida has a significant sewage treatment capacity, several plants are not meeting discharge norms. Treated effluents are discharged into channels without adequate in-situ treatment, leading to substantial untreated sewage reaching the Yamuna.
Authorities acknowledge a lack of a single overarching plan for the Yamuna's clean-up across jurisdictions, despite individual rejuvenation efforts. The Supreme Court has stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive sewage discharge plan to protect the river.
