National Green Tribunal seeks data on sewage discharge, untreated waste in Agra

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal today directed Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam and Agra Municipal Corporation to inform it about the total sewage discharge and the quantity of untreated waste being released into Yamuna.

The green panel also took note of the fact that many colonies in Agra lacked sewer connection and directed Agra Development Authority to identify such areas.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar took note of construction and debris dumped by the builders lying in front of various colonies and ordered them to remove the waste immediately.

It also directed Agra Development Authority ( ADA) to supervise the entire cleaning of construction and debris.

"The Jal Nigam and Municipal Corporation, Agra shall file compliance report showing total sewage discharge from the city and how much of it is being treated and the amount which is being put into the river untreated. The Jal Nigam, ADA shall also identify the area, having no sewage connection," the bench said.

The Tribunal has now posted the matter for next hearing on February 23.

In September last year, the Tribunal had issued showcause notice to 10 residential colonies of Agra for discharging untreated sewage and asked them to explain why a fine of Rs 1.41 crore be not imposed on them for polluting Yamuna.

Earlier, the Tribunal had imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on Agra Municipal Corporation for dumping waste on the floodplains of river Yamuna in the city, noting that the civic body has failed to perform its duty and protect the environment.