The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has come down heavily on the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) for allegedly supplying sewage-contaminated drinking water to residents of Janakpuri, observing that the board failed to take swift action despite the serious health risks involved.
In its order dated May 14, the NGT bench led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, along with Justices Sudhir Agarwal, Arun Kumar Tyagi, and expert member Afroz Ahmad, took strong exception to the DJB’s handling of the issue. The tribunal said, “Supply of drinking water which is unfit to the residents of the city is a very serious matter but ignoring such seriousness, the DJB has not taken expeditious action to remediate it.”
The green body also rebuked the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for failing to provide water sample analysis reports in a timely manner as directed in an earlier order.
The case was initiated following a plea by a local Resident Welfare Association (RWA), which alleged that corroded pipelines had led to the mixing of untreated sewage with the potable water supply. The petition claimed that residents had fallen ill after consuming the contaminated water, with one individual reportedly hospitalized after being diagnosed with Hepatitis A and E. coli.
During the proceedings, the NGT was informed that DJB had filed an affidavit on April 5 detailing remedial steps taken. However, the tribunal dismissed the submission, stating, “Unless the water supplied to the residents of the concerned area is found to be fit for drinking, it cannot be said that adequate action has been taken by the DJB.”
The NGT directed CPCB to collect fresh water samples from 20 locations—10 new and 10 previously tested—without prior intimation to DJB or any other authority. The tribunal further instructed that the samples must be tested promptly, particularly for faecal coliform and E. coli bacteria, and a comprehensive report be filed before the next hearing.
Seeking accountability and long-term resolution, the NGT has summoned the Chief Engineer of the Delhi Jal Board to appear in person on May 30 to present a permanent solution to the problem.
The matter highlights recurring concerns over water safety and infrastructure lapses in the capital, with the tribunal emphasizing the urgent need for administrative and technical overhaul to ensure safe drinking water for all residents.
