Home / Environment / NGT Mandates GPS Trackers for All Water Tankers
NGT Mandates GPS Trackers for All Water Tankers
9 Apr
Summary
- GPS trackers are now mandatory for all water tankers, including those with treated water.
- The NGT clarified directives issued on March 28, 2025, to curb illegal water extraction.
- Delhi Jal Board must maintain detailed records and issue gate passes for tanker drivers.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has clarified its directive, previously issued on March 28, 2025, ensuring that all commercial water supply tankers must be equipped with GPS tracking systems. This rule now explicitly includes tankers transporting treated water originating from sewage treatment plants (STPs).
The tribunal's principal bench addressed concerns raised by intervenor applicants who sought exemptions for treated water transport. The NGT emphasized that the directive's purpose is to combat illegal groundwater extraction and curb unauthorized commercial water sales.
During the hearing on Wednesday, the NGT pointed out significant gaps in the Delhi Jal Board's (DJB) oversight. These include insufficient record maintenance and drivers lacking necessary transit documentation. Consequently, the DJB is now required to issue gate passes and transit passes for all drivers.
Furthermore, the DJB must establish comprehensive, chronological records detailing all tankers supplying treated water. This includes crucial information such as tanker and driver identification, water quantity, and owner details. Tanker drivers are obligated to carry these passes and supporting documents while in transit, ready for inspection by officials.
Failure to comply with these mandates could lead to legal repercussions under Section 26 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
