The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has mandated the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (NOIDA) to fully utilize water processed in sewage treatment plants (STPs). This directive aims to address the current wastage where most treated water is discharged into drains rather than being used effectively.
During a hearing led by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, along with judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Afroz Ahmad, it was revealed that NOIDA Authority discharges a significant amount of treated water. According to the authority’s own admission, of the 260 million liters per day (MLD) of water treated across various STPs, 192 MLD is not utilized and is instead released into drains.
Justice Shrivastava’s bench highlighted that only about 20 percent of the STP-treated water is currently being used, with the vast majority simply discarded. “The candid admission of the counsel appearing for respondent no. 2 (NOIDA Authority) is that about 20 percent of STP-treated water is currently being utilized, and the rest is thrown or discharged into the drain,” the bench noted.
The NGT emphasized the significant potential for using STP-treated water in various projects, which could considerably help in conserving natural water resources. In response to these findings, the tribunal has directed the NOIDA Authority to ensure 100 percent utilization of the treated water and to submit a comprehensive plan, including a timeline for achieving full utilization, within four weeks.
This order is a step towards enhancing sustainable water management practices in the region, urging local authorities to adopt more environmentally friendly solutions in handling treated wastewater.
