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Synopsis

While noting that the previous orders had not been complied with, the Supreme Court of India on Tuesday expressed displeasure over the non-compliance of the Uttar Pradesh (UP) Jal Nigam officials in implementing measures to prevent untreated sewage from entering the Yamuna River.

A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan said, "A very serious issue regarding the removal of silt, sludge, and garbage up to 5-6 metres in the Yamuna has been raised. After considering the report of IIT Roorkee, directions were issued on 25.11.2024. However, there has been no compliance with the Court’s previous orders."

Further, Justice Oka went on to ask, 'Who is the topmost official of UP Jal Nigam?'

To this, the counsel for UP Jal Nigam said that the Project Manager, Agra, is the highest authority. He further added that Agra Nagar Nigam is the only body responsible for taking interim measures in this regard.

In response, Justice Oka said, "But the directions were issued to you?".

In view of this, the top court directed the Managing Director of Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam to remain present via VC one week before the next date. The court also directed him to file his personal affidavit, reporting compliance with the order dated November 25, 2024.

"....In case the assistance of any order authority is required to comply with the order dated 25 November, we permit Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam to file an appropriate application, the court ordered.

According to the order dated November 25, 2024, the court had directed the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam to take all interim measures regarding the tapping of 38 untapped drains and 5 partially tapped drains. It had asked for a compliance report within a period of one month.

The court had also directed the State of Uttar Pradesh and the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam to file an affidavit stating the measures they propose to take to ensure that garbage is not thrown into the riverbed.

Case Title: M.C Mehta v Union of India