The NGT took suo motu cognizance of “serious health concerns” of sewage contamination in drinking water reported in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. | Photo credit: AM Faruqui
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognizance of the “serious health concerns” of sewage contamination in drinking water reported in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh based on numerous reports.
According to an official statement, the NGT has issued notices to all the three state governments and other agencies to file their affidavits in the matter.
“Reports highlight alarming conditions where sewage has mixed with drinking water pipes due to corroded and decades-old infrastructure. Cities in Rajasthan including Udaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Banswar, Jaipur, Ajmer and Bora have reportedly been affected. Photos accompanying the reports show drinking water pipes running through open sewers14, creating serious health risks on Wednesday.” 2026) said.
The NGT said the report revealed that in Greater Noida (Delta-1 sector), several residents, including children, fell ill with symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea following sewage contaminated with drinking water.
Fear of an Indore-like situation
“Authorities reportedly repaired leaks and distributed medicine; however, residents expressed fear of an Indore-like water contamination tragedy. The same report also noted the detection of E-coli bacteria in drinking water in parts of Bhopal, caused by sewage leaking into wells,” the statement said.
At least six people have died due to vomiting and diarrhea caused by drinking contaminated piped water in the Madhya Pradesh city of Indore.
The Green Court noted that the issues raised involve “serious environmental and public health concerns” and prima facie indicate a breach of the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974.
The NGT Chief Bench, comprising Chairman Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member A. Senthil Vel, sought responses from the relevant authorities in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, including their respective pollution control committees and regional offices of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), according to the statement.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has also been asked to file a reply.
The NGT said the matter will be reviewed to ensure accountability, compliance with environmental laws and protection of citizens’ right to safe drinking water.
Published – 14 Jan 2026 20:24 IST
