Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding utilization of treated waste water from STPs, 10/05/2019
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Mahesh Chandra Saxena Vs South Delhi Municipal Corporation & Others dated 10/05/2019 regarding utilization of treated waste water from sewage treatment plants (STPs). In the absence of a proper and elaborate plan, fresh water is being used for purposes for which treated water could alternatively be used. There appears to be no satisfactory plan with any of the States/Union Territories (UTs) in the country.
The Tribunal had directed all the States/UTs in India to prepare and furnish their action plans within three months to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) so that CPCB could review the same and issue further directions. Status report furnished by CPCB mentions that action plans have been received from 15 States/UTs but no action plans received from remaining 21 States/UTs. With respect to action plans of 15 States/UTs, CPCB observed that action plans received from Andhra Pradesh, Madhya radesh and NCT of Delhi has mentioned schemes for utilization of treated sewage in different sectors like horticulture, metro washing, power plants, construction activity, rejuvenation of water bodies and use in industrial sectors.
NGT issues directions to the states/ UTs which had not submitted their action plans to so by June 30, 2019, failing which coercive measures including compensation for loss to the environment would be considered. The plans should include a monitoring mechanism in the States for coordination with the local bodies, which would be the responsibility of the Chief Secretaries of all the States/UTs. Also the matter has been connected with the rejuvenation of 351 river stretches.