NGT issues notices over alleged groundwater violations in Pune
The National Green Tribunal (NGT), western zone bench, has issued notices to key Maharashtra authorities, including the Pune Collector, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), Groundwater Survey and Development Agency (GSDA), and Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), regarding alleged widespread violations of Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) guidelines for groundwater extraction in Pune district.
The NGT's action stems from a petition filed by Pushkar Kulkarni, asserting that many entities in Pune are extracting groundwater without proper authorisation, and even those with No Objection Certificates (NOCs) are failing to comply with mandatory conditions. Specifically, the petition highlights the absence of required observation wells (piezometers) and the failure to submit annual groundwater quality analyses, hindering efforts to monitor depletion and contamination.
The NGT has given the authorities four weeks to respond. This development underscores significant concerns about unregulated groundwater use in Pune and the potential environmental impact. (Hindustan Times)
Delhi to mandate treated water use in construction to combat groundwater depletion
The Delhi government is set to introduce a new policy requiring the use of treated wastewater in all construction projects. This significant move aims to combat the alarming rate of groundwater depletion in the city, an issue highlighted by a 2024 report from the CGWB which indicates Delhi is extracting more groundwater than it can replenish.
Beyond environmental benefits, the policy is also expected to enhance the longevity of buildings. Officials warn that using poor-quality water in construction can lead to corrosion of iron components and damage to concrete, ultimately causing cracks and shortening a structure's lifespan.
The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) is leading the initiative, starting with its own projects and studying successful models from other cities like Gurugram and Pune that already implement similar policies. Currently, Delhi's sewage treatment plants produce approximately 530 million gallons per day (MGD) of treated water, yet only about 105 MGD is presently utilised, primarily for landscaping and lake restoration. This new policy seeks to expand the application of this readily available resource, marking a crucial step towards sustainable urban development in the capital. (Business Standard)
India's rivers face severe pollution crisis, threatening public health
India's vital rivers, particularly the Ganga and Yamuna, are grappling with alarming levels of pollution, posing a grave threat to public health. Recent CPCB reports reveal coliform levels in the Ganga to be 1,400 times the standard and 600 times in the Yamuna, rendering them unsafe for bathing. This is especially concerning given the millions participating in events like the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela.
Such high contamination, primarily from untreated sewage, can cause severe diseases like gastroenteritis and typhoid. While political disputes arise, the scientific findings underscore a critical failure in waste management and environmental regulation. Experts emphasise the urgent need for investment in wastewater treatment plants, combined with community involvement in monitoring and prevention. Stricter legal frameworks and enforcement of the 'polluter pays' principle are also crucial to safeguard public health and ensure the long-term health of India's rivers. (The Economic Times)
Surat leads Gujarat, ranks among India's top 10 in water conservation
Surat has emerged as a national leader in water conservation efforts, securing first place in Gujarat and ranking among the top ten cities in India. This achievement was announced at a "Jalmitra Guidance" seminar held on Friday under the Jalsanchay Janbhagidari Abhiyan 2.0.
District Development Officer Shivani Goyal highlighted that Surat completed approximately 60,000 water conservation projects, utilising government grants, CSR funds, and community contributions. The seminar, organised with District Collector, aimed to raise awareness and recruit "Jalmitras" or water ambassadors. These local volunteers are crucial in educating villagers about water harvesting, borewell rooftop recharging, pond deepening, and check dam construction and repair.
Officials emphasised the importance of public participation in conserving rainwater and maintaining existing water storage structures. This collective effort, they stated, is vital for ensuring a rich water heritage for future generations. (The Indian Express)
NGT orders reassessment of ₹39.5 crore penalty, highlighting flaws in Goa CRZ enforcement
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to reassess a Rs. 39.5 crore environmental penalty, exposing significant flaws in how coastal regulation zone (CRZ) violations are enforced. This decision follows the GCZMA's admission of computational errors in the original penalty.
The appellant challenged the GCZMA's jurisdiction and penalty calculation methods, arguing the amount was disproportionately high and lacked statutory basis. Key issues included whether the GCZMA had the legal authority to impose such large fines, the validity of the formula used, and discrepancies in the measured area of violation—with the appellant claiming much of it lay outside CRZ boundaries.
The NGT's ruling mandates a fresh assessment within two months, setting a precedent that could reshape environmental penalty calculations and enforcement across India's coastal regions. It underscores the need for clearer legal frameworks and adherence to designated adjudication processes. (Herald Goa)
Illegal salt pans threaten Kachchh's Kharai Camels despite NGT orders
Despite repeated directives from the NGT, illegal salt pan expansion and creek encroachment continue to devastate the crucial mangrove habitat of Kachchh's unique Kharai camels. These camels are renowned for their ability to swim and graze on mangroves, a rapidly diminishing food source.
According to the Indian State Forest Survey of India 2023, Kachchh lost a staggering 61.14 square kilometers of mangrove cover since 2021. Local organisations, like the Kachchh Unt Ucherak Maldhari Sangathan (KUUMS), report that mangrove areas have shrunk drastically while salt pans have aggressively expanded into protected zones. Violations include uprooting mangroves, clearing land with heavy machinery, and causing mass marine life deaths.
The NGT has scheduled a hearing for July 9, which camel breeders and environmental advocates view as a critical last chance to save this endangered ecosystem and the livelihoods of the pastoral communities who depend on it. They demand the cancellation of illegal salt leases and restoration of mangroves. (Down to Earth)
This is a roundup of policy updates from June 16, 2025 to June 30, 2025. Read our news updates here