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NGT seeks assessment of UV technology for sewage treatment
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi to assess the effectiveness of UV technology in sewage treatment plants (STPs). This directive follows a Times of India report that revealed 75% of Delhi's STPs were not properly treating bacteria like faecal coliform.
The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) reported that out of 37 STPs, 15 use UV technology and 11 use chlorination for disinfection. The NGT is questioning the effectiveness of the UV systems because the DJB could not provide any official standards that permit its use for this purpose. While some manuals mention UV technology as an option, the NGT has requested IIT Delhi to investigate its "feasibility and effectiveness."
In addition, a report by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) found that 14 STPs were not meeting required standards. As a result, the NGT has directed the DPCC to take "remedial and punitive action" against these non-compliant plants. The NGT will hear the matter again on November 11. (The Times of India)
New Indian legislation to address polluted sites
In an effort to address chemical contamination, India has introduced new legislation called the Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025. These rules create a legal framework for assessing and cleaning up sites polluted by 189 specific hazardous chemicals.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) defines contaminated sites as areas where the soil, groundwater, or surface water have been polluted by hazardous waste. Such sites include landfills, dumps, and chemical waste storage areas. Many of these sites were contaminated before regulations were in place, and in some cases, the original polluters can't afford to pay for the cleanup. When this happens, state and central governments will share the costs.
Under the new rules:
District authorities will prepare reports on suspected sites.
An expert board will assess sites and identify contamination levels of the 189 listed chemicals.
If contamination exceeds safety levels, the public will be notified and access to the sites will be restricted.
Liable parties will be identified and held financially and criminally responsible.
Although the new rules are considered a step in the right direction, some critics say they're limited because they only cover 189 chemicals and don't provide a comprehensive inventory of all hazardous substances used in the country. (Chemistry World)
India’s bottled water overhaul
India is strengthening its bottled water regulations by requiring mandatory inspections of packaging facilities. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is classifying bottled water as a "high-risk" food category, a move that requires new companies to undergo inspections before receiving a license. Existing companies will face annual audits and risk-based inspections to ensure they meet stricter safety and quality standards.
This new policy comes after the government dropped the requirement for mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification. The FSSAI will now take over the primary responsibility for quality control, including checking the water's source, plant cleanliness, and labelling.
The move aims to address public health concerns and combat unauthorized sellers who refill bottles with untreated water. Industry leaders like Bisleri, PepsiCo India, and Tata Consumer Products have expressed support for the stricter oversight, citing the importance of consumer safety and combating counterfeit products. Medical experts also welcome the new regulations as a way to reduce waterborne illnesses like typhoid and cholera. (Livemint)
NGT orders action on Alwar's industrial pollution
The NGT has expressed serious concern over the ongoing environmental violations by industries in Alwar, specifically the discharge of untreated wastewater. The NGT is addressing the issue after a report from the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) revealed that 25 industries were found to be violating environmental norms by releasing untreated wastewater onto open land.
The tribunal has directed the RSPCB to ensure the swift recovery of environmental damages from these polluting units, as per a recent Supreme Court order. Additionally, the NGT has mandated that a common effluent treatment plant (CETP), for which land was allocated in 2021, becomes operational as soon as possible. The NGT has asked for a comprehensive list of the polluting units and a report on the actions taken. The case highlights a persistent problem, as violations have continued despite multiple inspections and complaints. (The Times of India)
MP's new policy for rural tap water
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced that the state will implement a new draft policy, 'Rural Tap Water Scheme Operation, Maintenance and Management Policy,' to ensure a continuous and sustainable supply of clean drinking water in rural areas. The policy, which will be in effect for three years after approval, stresses the need for community participation and a robust system for long-term maintenance of water supply projects.
The new rules will continue to give Gram Panchayats the responsibility of operating the schemes, while maintenance will be managed by contracted agencies under the Public Health Engineering Department. Since August 2019, the percentage of rural families with access to tap water has increased from 12.11% to 70.41%, and the state aims to achieve 100% coverage by March 2027. (Editorji)
NGT orders Karnataka to stop polluting Thenpennai River
The NGT has ordered the Karnataka government to immediately stop the flow of untreated sewage into the Thenpennai River and directed Tamil Nadu to monitor its neighbour's actions. The NGT's ruling addresses concerns over "toxic foam discharge" from lakes in Bengaluru, which has been polluting the river and its catchment area at the Kelavarapalli dam.
The Thenpennai River is a crucial water source for five districts in Tamil Nadu, but studies have confirmed high levels of faecal coliform, making the water unsafe. In response, Karnataka has admitted to the pollution and outlined plans to install 12 new sewage treatment plants (STPs) to manage the issue. Additionally, the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has already laid 800 km of underground drainage pipelines as an interim measure. Both states are required to submit an action report to the NGT on November 14. (The Times of India)
This is a roundup of policy updates from August 16, 2025 to August 31, 2025. Read our news updates here