Order of the Supreme Court regarding untapped drains in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, 01/05/2025
Order of the Supreme Court in the matter of M C Mehta Vs Union of India & Others dated 01/05/2025.
The SC perused the affidavits filed on behalf of the Municipal Corporation, Agra and Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (Urban). Affidavit, April 11, 2025 filed by the Municipal Corporation, Agra indicated that the issue is about 61 untapped drains and 6 partially tapped drains. By way of interim measures, bio-remediation and phyto-remediation techniques are being used. The work of tapping of 23 untapped drains was to be completed by the end of April, 2025. However, compliance has not yet been reported, the SC noted.
The apex court directed that the work of tapping of 23 untapped drains should be completed by May 15, 2025 and compliance report filed within one week thereafter. As regards rest of the 38 untapped drains, a proposal has been submitted by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).
A report has been submitted by the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) on behalf of the NMCG. It was stated that now there is a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) submitted by the UP Jal Nigam (Urban).
The SC directed NMCG to grant approval to the DPR in the immediate next Executive Committee meeting and ensure that the work of tapping of drains commences immediately. The court also directed the UP Jal Nigam (Urban) to file an affidavit indicating timelines for completion of work of 38 untapped drains. "The outer limit in any case cannot be more than three months from the date of approval of the DPR," the order said. An affidavit should be filed within a period of one month regarding laying down the timelines for completion of work. As regards interim measures, affidavit of Municipal Corporation, Agra indicated that bio-remediation and phytoremediation technique is being used.
However, affidavits of UP Jal Nigam (Rural) and the Municipal Corporation, Agra are silent about the remaining 6 untapped drains." The SC directed the state of Uttar Pradesh to ensure that the work of tapping these 6 partially tapped drains is completed within a period of four months. It is for the state of Uttar Pradesh to decide which agency completes the work. The applications would remain pending until all compliances are reported, the order added.