The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has reviewed compliance by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on the issue of untreated sewage entering the Barapullah and Defence Colony stormwater drains, which eventually pollute the Yamuna.
Pursuant to its directions of 07 July 2025, the Tribunal examined affidavits filed by DJB (19 August 2025) and MCD (18 August 2025).
The DJB affidavit disclosed that a survey had identified 43 sewage outfalls discharging into these drains. The outfalls have been colour-coded: green (already trapped and diverted to STPs), yellow (partially trapped), and red (untrapped). While some points such as Ratiya Marg, GK-I and GK-II are fully trapped, major contributors including Chattarpur–Mehrauli–Saket (17 MLD) and Saidulajab (23 MLD) remain untrapped. DJB assured that even trapped locations such as CR Park (AD9) and GK-II (AD10) will have overflow diverted to the augmented Andrews Ganj pumping station (SPS).
A time-bound action plan was presented, with timelines up to July 2026 for several drains and December 2027 for Saidulajab, which requires construction of four Decentralized STPs (DSTPs) at Fatehpur Beri, Chandanhola-Satbari, Chattarpur Extension, and Maidan Garhi. DJB flagged a land shortfall, noting that the DDA allotted only 1525 sq. m against its requirement of 4 bigha 4 biswa at Chattarpur Extension, and sought flexibility to pursue vertical development of STPs with additional FAR. DJB stated it would use its own funds for simple trapping works, while DSTP construction will require Central Government support.
The MCD affidavit reported that the entire 1.3 km Defence Colony drain stretch has been de-silted, with 20,000 MT of silt transported to the Okhla site. Samples have been sent for laboratory testing to determine safe disposal methods. Wire-mesh gates at the upstream, delayed due to monsoon, will be installed from 15 September 2025 and completed within three weeks. The Tribunal directed MCD to file a compliance affidavit by 10 October 2025, confirming mesh installation, cleaning, and scientific disposal of debris.
The Tribunal also noted DJB’s submission that untreated sewage from 10 Jhuggi Jhopri clusters (JJCs) continues to flow into the drains in the absence of collection networks, which are the responsibility of DUSIB. It reiterated that while stormwater drains fall within the jurisdiction of MCD, PWD, and IFCD, DJB must act promptly to trap sewage inflows and all agencies must coordinate to ensure compliance.
The matter was adjourned with directions for continued monitoring of timelines, inter-agency coordination, and strict adherence to pollution abatement measures.
Appearances:
Appellant: Mr. Colin Gonsalves, Senior Advocate with Mr. Zain Haider & Mr. Umesh Kumar, Advs. for Applicant in OA 06/2012 & E.A 05/2024
Mr. Rahul Khurana, Adv. (Court Commissioner)
Respondents: Mr. Manish Vasistha, Senior Advocate with Ms. Richa Kapoor & Ms. Atika Singh, Advs. for Delhi Jal Board
Mr. Sidharth Luthra, Senior Advocate (Through VC) with Mr. Kunal Vajani, Mr. Kartikey Bhatt, Mr. Tanish Arora, Mr. Kunal Mimani & Mr. Kushagra Raghuvanshi, Advs. in I.A No. 329/2024, 421/2024, I.A No. 272/2025 & I.A. No. 559/2025
Ms. Garima Prashad, Senior Advocate (Through VC) with Ms. Puja S. Kalra & Mr. Virendra Singh, Advs. for MCD
Ms. Jyoti Mendiratta & Ms. Ananya Basudha, Advs. for GNCTD & IFCD
Mr. Rahul Khurana, Adv. for the State of Haryana & HSPCB
Mr. Bhanwar Pal Singh Jadon, Ms. Hemlata Singh, Ms. Gargi Chaturvedi & Ms. Anjali Sharma, Advs. for the State of UP
Mr. Pradeep Misra & Mr. Daleep Dhyani, Adv. for UPPCB (Through VC)
Mr. Narender Pal Singh, Adv. for DPCC
Ms. Prabhsahay Kaur, Ms. Deeksha L. Kakar, Mr. Rashneet Singh & Ms. Sana Parveen, Advs. for DDA
Ms. Priyanka Swami, Adv. for Irrigation Department, State of UP
Mr. Raj Kumar, Adv. for CPCB & NDMC
Mr. Paritosh Anil, Adv. for MoEF & CC (Through VC)