NGT Pulls Up Delhi Jal Board Over Contaminated Drinking Water in Janakpuri

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) came down heavily on the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) after serious allegations emerged regarding the supply of sewage-contaminated drinking water in A-1 Block, Janakpuri.

The Resident Welfare Association (RWA) of the area had filed an application alleging that blocked sewage lines had corroded freshwater pipelines, leading to untreated sewage mixing with drinking water. During the hearing, the NGT was informed that one resident was hospitalized with Hepatitis A and E, potentially due to the contaminated supply.

While the CPCB was previously directed to collect water samples and submit a test report, no report was filed as of the hearing. The RWA’s counsel alleged that DJB officials had advance knowledge of the sampling, allowing them to manipulate results by temporarily desilting the sewer lines using suction machines before sample collection.

A key piece of evidence—a video played in court—captured a DJB official admitting during sampling on April 25 that the water was unfit for consumption. The video directly contradicted the DJB’s internal reports claiming water quality was satisfactory.

In response, the Tribunal ordered the CPCB to collect fresh water samples from 20 locations—10 previously tested and 10 new—without informing the DJB. The samples are to be specifically tested for faecal coliform and E. coli. The CPCB was instructed to submit both the previous and fresh reports before the next hearing.

The Tribunal also allowed the RWA’s plea to implead the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in the case, citing the need for coordinated action. The Chief Engineer of DJB has been directed to be present at the next hearing to discuss a long-term solution.

The NGT expressed dissatisfaction with DJB’s lack of urgency, emphasizing that providing contaminated water to residents is a grave violation of their right to clean and safe drinking water under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The matter will next be heard on May 30, 2025.

Author -

Raj Gupta