Agra civic body defends sewage issue citing 'Election 2022', NGT terms it 'irrelevant'

New Delhi, March 26 (IANS) The National Green Tribunal has told the Agra Development Authority that citing the code of conduct of elections 2022 on a plea against the open discharge of sewage in the city is "irrelevant" as the failure of the civic body has been continuing for long.

The NGT principal bench headed by Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel was dealing with an application against the discharge of 1.45 lakh liters sewage daily generated by 'Nalanda Town', a housing colony in Agra on open land.

Following the plea, an NGT assigned panel, on February 22, had found that the sewage is not being disposed of, as per norms. The applicant has also filed written submissions pointing out the failure of the Agra Development Authority and erroneous approach in its working. The green court, in its order, observed that undisputed facts show that sewage is being discharged on open land meeting a drain in violation of the Water Act 1974 and Judgment of the Supreme Court.

"Pending further action against the Vice Chairman, ADA for prosecution and personal accountability, we require ADA to deposit a sum of Rs 25 lakhs towards interim compensation with the District Magistrate, Agra for being used for the restoration of damage to the environment," it said further.

The township in question appears to have been developed without requisite infrastructure, particularly sewerage system which should not have been permitted, the tribunal noted.

Further, the green court sought remedial action to ensure that a proper sewerage system is in place connected to an appropriate Sewage Treatment Plan. "No untreated sewage is discharged in open. This may be ensured by the Vice-Chairman, ADA, and overseen by the Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development, UP, and state PCB".

The tribunal also sought an action taken report by the authorities within two months and asked the Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development, UP, and Vice Chairman, ADA to remain present in person through video conferencing and listed the matter for July 6.