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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated fresh action on pollution in the Yamuna River and alleged illegal constructions along its floodplains, seeking responses from multiple government agencies. The matter relates to continued discharge of untreated sewage and encroachments in areas such as Mathura and Vrindavan, despite earlier tribunal directives. Authorities including central and state pollution control bodies and local civic agencies have been asked to explain compliance with past orders. The case highlights ongoing environmental concerns linked to river pollution and unregulated development, with implications for urban planning, land use and enforcement in ecologically sensitive zones.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to multiple central, state and local authorities over pollution in the Yamuna River and alleged illegal construction activities along its floodplains, directing them to respond on compliance with earlier orders. Advertisement
The action follows a petition highlighting continued discharge of untreated sewage and wastewater into the river in areas such as Mathura and Vrindavan, along with concerns regarding unchecked encroachments on environmentally sensitive floodplain zones. The tribunal, in its recent hearing held in the past week, observed that significant time had elapsed since its earlier directions without adequate compliance.
The bench, headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, has sought replies from agencies including the National Mission for Clean Ganga, the Uttar Pradesh government, municipal authorities such as Mathura-Vrindavan Nagar Nigam, and both central and state pollution control boards.
The petition has raised concerns that the water quality of the Yamuna in the affected stretches falls under the “very poor” category, rendering it unfit for bathing, drinking or domestic use as per Central Pollution Control Board standards. It also highlighted that untreated sewage discharge and industrial effluents continue to flow into the river, indicating gaps in enforcement of pollution control measures.
In addition to pollution, the tribunal has taken note of alleged illegal construction along the riverbanks and floodplains, where development is subject to strict environmental restrictions. Petitioners have argued that previous directions to remove encroachments have not been effectively implemented, leading to continued degradation of the river ecosystem.
The NGT’s intervention also revisits its earlier orders issued in 2021, which had directed authorities to upgrade sewage treatment infrastructure, remove unauthorised constructions and undertake ecological restoration measures, including plantation drives. The tribunal is now examining whether these directives have been acted upon.
The matter is part of a broader pattern of regulatory scrutiny over development activities along the Yamuna, where rapid urbanisation and inadequate infrastructure have contributed to pollution and environmental stress. Illegal constructions on floodplains have been a recurring concern, given their impact on river flow, groundwater recharge and ecological balance.
The tribunal has scheduled the next hearing for later this year, during which authorities are expected to submit detailed status reports on compliance and remedial actions.
The development underscores the continued regulatory focus on river conservation and enforcement of environmental norms, particularly in urban and peri-urban regions where land use pressures intersect with ecological sensitivity.
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