Builders, Industries Illegally Draining Groundwater in Noida, Alleges Petition

New Delhi, Jun 26: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Uttar Pradesh Ground Water Department to examine a complaint alleging rampant illegal groundwater extraction by private builders, industries and individuals in Noida and Greater Noida, and take appropriate action within three months.

A bench comprising NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Afroz Ahmad was hearing a petition filed by noted environmental conservationist Vikrant Tongad, who alleged that illegal extraction was taking place across multiple sectors — specifically Sectors 145 and 153 in Noida, and Sectors 94 and 150 in the Tech Zone area of Greater Noida.

The Complaint That Went Unheard

Advocate Akash Vashishtha, appearing for the petitioner, told the tribunal that repeated written representations to the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) and other concerned agencies had yielded no response or action.

"We have been continuously writing to the CGWA and other concerned authorities seeking action to prevent illegal groundwater extraction, but to no avail," Vashishtha submitted.

What the Tribunal Ordered

Rather than directly intervening, the NGT directed the petitioner to first file a detailed complaint — supported by documentary evidence — with the UP Ground Water Department as the competent authority.

The tribunal made clear what it expected in return. Upon receiving the complaint, the department must conduct ground verification, and if any tube wells or bore wells are found to be operating illegally, it must initiate both remedial and punitive action in accordance with law, while adhering to the principles of natural justice.

The NGT disposed of the original application while keeping the door open for further action, directing that the entire exercise be completed "as expeditiously as possible, preferably within three months."