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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Uttar Pradesh Ground Water Department to examine allegations of illegal groundwater extraction at multiple construction sites in Noida and Greater Noida and initiate action where violations are found. The order, passed in the past week, follows a petition alleging unauthorised dewatering and groundwater abstraction by private builders, industries and individuals across several sectors, including Noida and the Yamuna Expressway region. The tribunal has instructed the department to conduct field verification, determine whether borewells or tube wells are operating without approval, and take remedial as well as punitive action in accordance with law. The exercise is to be completed within three months as concerns over declining groundwater levels continue in the rapidly urbanising region.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Uttar Pradesh Ground Water Department to investigate allegations of illegal groundwater extraction at construction sites in Noida and Greater Noida and initiate appropriate action if any unauthorised borewells or tube wells are found to be operating. The direction was issued in the past week while hearing a petition filed by environmental activist Vikrant Tongad, who alleged widespread dewatering activities by private builders, industries and individuals in parts of Gautam Budh Nagar district.
A bench comprising NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Afroz Ahmad observed that the competent authority to examine such complaints was the Uttar Pradesh Ground Water Department. The tribunal instructed the department to verify the allegations on the ground and, where violations are established, take remedial and punitive action in accordance with applicable laws. It also directed that the exercise be completed within three months.
According to the petition, illegal groundwater extraction has been taking place at several locations, including construction projects in Sectors 145 and 153 of Noida, Sectors 94 and 150, the Tech Zone area of Greater Noida and parts of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) region. The petitioner alleged that repeated representations had been submitted to the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) and other government agencies seeking intervention, but no effective action had followed.
The tribunal noted that the state groundwater department had already taken cognisance of certain complaints. It referred to a communication issued by the department to the Gautam Budh Nagar District Magistrate regarding alleged illegal dewatering activities by a developer in Greater Noida, seeking prompt action and a compliance report. However, the NGT observed that the present complaint required an independent examination by the competent authority before further judicial intervention could be considered.
The petition highlighted concerns that large-scale construction activity and unauthorised groundwater abstraction were contributing to the depletion of groundwater resources in Noida and Greater Noida, where urban expansion has significantly increased water demand. It also alleged that deep excavation for high-rise developments frequently involves continuous dewatering without the necessary approvals.
The NGT clarified that if the field verification establishes that any borewell or tube well is operating illegally, the Uttar Pradesh Ground Water Department must proceed with action as prescribed under law, including remedial measures and penalties where applicable. The tribunal's order forms part of continuing judicial scrutiny over groundwater management in the National Capital Region, where environmental authorities have repeatedly raised concerns over unauthorised extraction and its impact on already stressed aquifers.
Source - PTI
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