NGT Directs Ministries on Yamuna Pollution, Tackles Encroachment in Uttarakhand and Plastic Waste in Kerala

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has mandated the Union Ministries of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Housing and Urban Affairs to submit a report on pollution impacting Yamuna River water quality. This pollution stems from untreated sewage discharged by colonies located in the 'O' zone, an area designated as the entire floodplain along the Yamuna's 22-km stretch in Delhi, where construction and property ownership are prohibited as per Master Plan Delhi 2021. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) filed an affidavit stating these colonies are among 1,731 identified unauthorized colonies protected until December 31, 2026, under a special act. The next hearing is scheduled for February 3, 2026.

In a separate directive, the NGT instructed the Appellate Authority to expedite hearings on unauthorized construction and encroachment on a drain near Deccan Valley, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. This follows reports identifying six multi-storey buildings, four of which partially encroach on the drain. Despite demolition orders, these are reportedly stayed by the Revisional Authority. The NGT emphasized prompt disposal of appeals, preferably within two months, to allow for remediation of environmental damage.

The Kerala State Pollution Control Board presented a report detailing the state's efforts to combat plastic waste. Plastic and organic waste primarily enter coastal waters via estuaries, with the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) responsible for its removal. The irrigation department has issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to an agency for periodic removal of plastic waste from surface water bodies. Efforts include door-to-door collection, collection centers, and removal from coastal waters. The report also covers the ongoing cleanup of plastic nurdles from the sunken vessel MSC ELSA 3 off Thiruvananthapuram, with 367,587 kg recovered as of October 30, 2025. However, the NGT noted a lack of action reports from some key departments and stressed the need for better stakeholder coordination.

Impact: These NGT directives highlight ongoing environmental challenges and regulatory actions in India. They can influence real estate development in ecologically sensitive zones, drive investment in waste management infrastructure and technologies, and increase compliance burdens for industries. The cases underscore the government's focus on environmental protection and sustainable urban development. Impact Rating: 7/10

Difficult Terms: National Green Tribunal (NGT): A specialized Indian court established to handle environmental disputes and provide relief and compensation for damages to people and the environment. 'O' Zone: Refers to the natural floodplain of a river, a zone where construction activities are typically restricted to prevent damage from floods and to protect the ecological balance of the river. Master Plan Delhi 2021: A long-term development plan for Delhi that outlines zoning, land use, infrastructure, and transportation strategies. Unauthorized Colonies: Residential areas that have been developed without proper legal sanction or adherence to building codes and zoning regulations. National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second Act, 2011: A law providing temporary protection against demolition or sealing for certain types of properties and unauthorized colonies in Delhi. Suo Motu: Action taken by a court or tribunal on its own initiative, without a formal request from the parties involved. Appellate Authority: A body that hears appeals against decisions made by a lower authority. Revisional Authority: An authority that can review and revise decisions made by lower authorities, often to correct errors. Encroachment: The act of occupying someone else's land or property illegally. Kerala State Pollution Control Board: A statutory body responsible for protecting and improving the environment in the state of Kerala. Local Self-Government Department (LSGD): A government department responsible for local governance and administration in Kerala. No Objection Certificate (NOC): A document issued by an authority stating that it has no objection to an applicant undertaking a specific activity. Plastic Fischeres: An agency involved in plastic waste management, as mentioned in the text. Plastic Nurldles: Small, pre-production plastic pellets that are the raw material for manufacturing plastic products. They are a common type of plastic pollution. MSC ELSA 3: A Liberian-flagged vessel involved in an incident leading to plastic nurdle pollution. Kollam Port: A port located in the state of Kerala. District Tourism Promotion Council, Harbour Engineering Departments, Inland Navigation and Directorate of Tourism: Various government departments involved in tourism, infrastructure, and water transport in Kerala.