SC takes cognisance of pollution in Yamuna, issues notice to Haryana

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 13

Taking cognisance of pollution in the Yamuna, the Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notice to the Haryana Government after the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) alleged that water containing high pollutants was being released into the river from the state.

"We are issuing notice without argument. We are taking suo motu cognisance of pollution in the entire Yamuna river," a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde said as the DJB pointed out that the water released by Haryana into the Yamuna had pollutants, including high ammonia content which becomes carcinogenic after mixing with chlorine.

The Bench appointed senior advocate Meenakshi Arora as amicus curiae to assist it in hearing the case and posted the matter for further hearing on January 19.

The DJB usually halts water supply in Delhi after the ammonia content in water rises. It has moved the court seeking a direction to Haryana to ensure that pollutant-free water was released in the river.

They have to keep ammonia treatment plan in Haryana and even the National Green Tribunal had said that their STP was not working at Sonipat which is upstream, said Arora.