The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Ministry of Jal Shakti to consider regulating spring water used by industry on private land, questioning if it should be classified as groundwater. This arose from a case involving Mohan Meakin’s Kasauli distillery, where a committee noted a borewell and spring water use without a logbook.
The tribunal also addressed sewage and drainage issues in Delhi’s jhuggi-jhopri clusters, with an applicant alleging the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) is shirking responsibility. DUSIB has argued its obligation to improve drainage is not binding, a stance the applicant disputes based on relevant acts.
Separately, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board reported to the NGT on sewage pollution and water hyacinth infestation in Veeraraghavan lake in Tambaram. Inspections revealed sewage from unsewered areas entering the lake, contributing to nutrient enrichment and exceeding water quality standards. The board urged the Tambaram City Municipal Corporation to expedite a sewerage system and plug sewage outfalls.
Source: Down To Earth