NGT Orders Action Against Illegal Groundwater Extraction in Prayagraj

The National Green Tribunal has instructed the Prayagraj district magistrate to address illegal groundwater extraction within 60 days. A previous order lacked a deadline, leaving the issue unresolved. Groundwater is reportedly being extracted without proper permits, violating local regulations. The district magistrate must now ascertain facts and act swiftly.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has mandated the Prayagraj district magistrate to tackle the illegal extraction of groundwater within a 60-day timeframe. The decision follows a plea indicating a lack of action on the issue.

On October 17, a bench comprising NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, and expert member A Senthil Vel pointed out that the absence of a specified time limit in an August 2024 order has left the applicant's concerns unaddressed.

The tribunal has now disposed of the execution application, instructing the district magistrate to fulfill the necessary actions promptly. The plea highlights illegal groundwater extraction without a no-objection certificate, contravening the Uttar Pradesh Ground Water Management Act.

(With inputs from agencies.)