NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the Uttar Pradesh Ground Water Department to investigate a complaint about alleged illegal groundwater extraction in Noida and Greater Noida, and to take necessary measures.
A bench, chaired by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Afroz Ahmad, reviewed a petition from environmental advocate Vikrant Tongad. The petition asserted that private builders, industries, and individuals are unlawfully extracting groundwater in Noida and Greater Noida, primarily in Sectors 145 and 153 of Noida and Sectors 94 and 150 in the Tech Zone of Greater Noida.
Advocate Akash Vashishtha, representing the applicant, stated, “We have repeatedly contacted the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) and other relevant authorities for action against illegal groundwater extraction, but have received no response.”
In a recent ruling, the tribunal mandated that the applicant initially direct their complaint to the competent authority, specifically the Uttar Pradesh Ground Water Department.
The NGT stated, “Thus, we are closing the original application (OA) and allow the applicant to file a detailed complaint along with supporting evidence to the Uttar Pradesh Ground Water Department. Upon receiving this, the department will duly assess the complaint in accordance with the law, conduct ground verification, and if any tube wells/bore wells are found to be operating illegally, they will take appropriate remedial and punitive actions while ensuring adherence to principles of natural justice.”
The tribunal urged that this exercise be completed as swiftly as possible, ideally within three months.
