Defence Colony Drain: NGT pulls up Delhi Jal Board, orders timeline to halt sewage flow

The Tribunal is currently examining the de-silting of drains flowing into the Yamuna, with specific focus on the Defence Colony drain.

In compliance with earlier directions, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) submitted a status report dated July 4, 2025, stating that 80% of the de-silting work has been completed. The remaining 20% is underway and expected to be completed by July 31, 2025.As per the report, de-silted material, approximately 7,480 metric tonnes, has been transported to the designated Okhla Dump Site, and the site is being monitored to prevent secondary pollution.

The MCD also stated that a wire mesh will be installed at the upstream end of the Defence Colony drain once de-silting is complete to stop floating debris and solid waste. However, the current water pressure has delayed this installation.

Addressing complaints of foul odour emanating from the Defence Colony drain, MCD clarified that the problem is due to untreated sewage being illegally discharged into what is originally a storm water drain meant only for rainwater.

MCD placed the responsibility for stopping this discharge on the DJB, noting that redirection of sewage requires sewer intersection, which falls within the DJB’s jurisdiction.

Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing for the applicant, argued that the DJB must take immediate steps to intercept and treat the sewage entering the drain. In the interim, he submitted that the MCD must ensure that silt is regularly removed to avoid further pollution.

The CEO of DJB, who appeared virtually, informed the Tribunal that untreated sewage from 189 unauthorised colonies is flowing into the Barapullah drain, of which 129 colonies are unsewered. He added that several colonies lie on forest land, for which forest clearance is awaited before sewer infrastructure can be laid.

The Tribunal observed that a mere update on the situation is insufficient and directed the DJB to file a detailed affidavit within four weeks.

"We are of the view that full details of all the sewage drains which are out falling in Barapullah drain/Defence Colony drain are required to be disclosed along with their locations and the quantity of sewage discharged by them per day in the storm water drain and time-bound action plan along with the full details of the action plan and source of fund and person responsible must be disclosed to ensure achieving the end result of prevention of discharge of untreated sewage in the storm water drain i.e. Barapullah drain/Defence Colony drain," the tribunal said.

The tribunal order, "The DJB is also required to disclose the sewage treatment plants (STPs) which it proposes to set up along with the timeline, funds and responsible persons, to ensure that untreated sewage from these sewer drains is tapped and diverted to STP. Hence, we require the CEO, DJB to file an affidavit within four weeks in compliance with the observations made above with clear timeline."

Meanwhile, the MCD has been directed to expedite de-silting, update on wire mesh installation, and disclose how the collected silt is being scientifically disposed of.

The matter is scheduled for further hearing on August 20.