Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding discharge of untreated sewage water from a housing society, Ambattur, Chennai, 13/01/2025
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of News Item titled "Chennai Citizen Connect: Ambattur residents cry foul as sewage from gated community pollutes area” appearing in DT Next dated 17.12.2024.
The Original Application was registered suo-motu on the basis of the news item. The matter related to the discharge of untreated sewage water from a gated community in the Ambattur area of Chennai. As per the article, the discharge has led to sewage stagnation on roads, creating unhygienic conditions and contributing to the pollution of nearby water bodies, including Korattur lake.
The article highlighted that despite lodging complaints with the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) and the local ward councilor, residents report that no inspections or remedial actions have been undertaken. The situation is exacerbated by the proximity of a private school, raising concerns about the health and safety of commuters and students. The stagnant sewage has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya in the community.
The news item indicated a violation of the provisions of Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Act, 1978; the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the court said. The NGT directed the authorities including the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB); Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to file their reply before the Southern Zonal Bench, Chennai.