Report filed by Jal Shakti on water conservation, 22/06/2020
Counter affidavit/reply on behalf of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. An application was filed before the NGT to prevent wastage and misuse of groundwater on account of overflow from overhead tanks in residential and commercial areas. The applicant had also pointed out various other methods by which the potable drinking water was wasted.
The Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuventation had invited the plan of action and action taken reports from all the states and union territories (UTs). The MoEF&CC has empowered the states/UTs including the statutory bodies and district adminisration to take necessary measures under Environment (Protection) Act 1986 and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 for the purposes envisaged under these laws, the report said.
In order to control wastage or misuse of ground water a draft public notice containing directions under section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 has been formulated. If the same is approved by the NGT, the public notice can be issued under section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Note: The report of June 22, 2020 was uploaded to the NGT site on August 27, 2020.