JUDICIARY
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Stop sewage being pumped into River Kshipra: NGT
The National Green Tribunal, Central Zone Bench, Bhopal has issued significant directions for the protection, rejuvenation and ecological restoration of the River Kshipra at Ujjain, particularly in view of the forthcoming Simhastha 2028.
The order was passed on August 17, 2026 by the Bench comprising Justice Sheo Kumar Singh, Judicial Member, and Prashant Gargava, Expert Member.
The Tribunal observed that the River Kshipra is not merely a watercourse but an integral part of the religious, cultural and civilisational identity of Ujjain/Avantika. The Bench emphasized that protection of the river is both an environmental necessity and a duty towards the religious and cultural heritage of the region.
Water Quality and Sewage Management
The Joint Committee constituted by the Tribunal reported that Ujjain presently generates approximately 85 MLD of sewage, which is expected to increase to nearly 350 MLD during Simhastha 2028.
Water samples collected from the Kshipra showed BOD levels ranging from 8–12 mg/L, against the prescribed bathing-water standard of 3 mg/L. The Tribunal also noted that the Kshipra has been identified by the CPCB as a Priority III polluted river stretch, based on the 2022–2023 assessment.
Out of 14 drains in and around Ujjain, 11 have reportedly been tapped. However, Piliyakhal, Hatkeshwar and Bhairavgarh drains were found to be continuing to discharge untreated or contaminated wastewater into the river.
The Tribunal also noted that the Sadwal Waste Stabilization Pond was not complying with the prescribed BOD standard.
Major Directions of the Tribunal
The Tribunal has directed the Municipal Corporation, Ujjain and the Collector, Ujjain, to ensure that no untreated sewage or wastewater is discharged into any water body or the River Kshipra.
The State Pollution Control Board has been directed to conduct inspections at 15-day intervals and, wherever violations are found, ensure remedial and punitive action, including calculation and recovery of environmental compensation.
The Tribunal has further directed that:
Proposed STPs and sewerage networks be expedited. Existing STPs and the Waste Stabilisation Pond be properly operated and maintained. Untreated drains be intercepted, diverted and treated. Constructed Wetlands and other nature-based treatment technologies be considered as interim measures. Treated wastewater be appropriately utilised for greenbelts, gardening and agriculture.Solid waste be removed from ghats, drains and riverbanks.
Encroachments on water bodies and public land in the Simhastha area be removed within 30 days. A dedicated grievance redressal system/App and mobile number be established for complaints relating to water quality and encroachments. A comprehensive report be submitted regarding solid-waste generation, available treatment capacity, existing gaps and arrangements proposed for Simhastha 2028.
The Tribunal has also directed the State Pollution Control Board to communicate the order to the District Collector, Ujjain; Municipal Corporation, Ujjain; Ujjain Development Authority; Simhastha Mela Authority; Commissioner, Ujjain, and other concerned respondents.
The concerned authorities have been directed to file their replies within one week, and an Action Taken Report is to be submitted before the next date of hearing.
The order was passed on August 17, 2026 by the Bench comprising Justice Sheo Kumar Singh, Judicial Member, and Prashant Gargava, Expert Member.
The Tribunal observed that the River Kshipra is not merely a watercourse but an integral part of the religious, cultural and civilisational identity of Ujjain/Avantika. The Bench emphasized that protection of the river is both an environmental necessity and a duty towards the religious and cultural heritage of the region.
Water Quality and Sewage Management
The Joint Committee constituted by the Tribunal reported that Ujjain presently generates approximately 85 MLD of sewage, which is expected to increase to nearly 350 MLD during Simhastha 2028.
Water samples collected from the Kshipra showed BOD levels ranging from 8–12 mg/L, against the prescribed bathing-water standard of 3 mg/L. The Tribunal also noted that the Kshipra has been identified by the CPCB as a Priority III polluted river stretch, based on the 2022–2023 assessment.
Out of 14 drains in and around Ujjain, 11 have reportedly been tapped. However, Piliyakhal, Hatkeshwar and Bhairavgarh drains were found to be continuing to discharge untreated or contaminated wastewater into the river.
The Tribunal also noted that the Sadwal Waste Stabilization Pond was not complying with the prescribed BOD standard.
Major Directions of the Tribunal
The Tribunal has directed the Municipal Corporation, Ujjain and the Collector, Ujjain, to ensure that no untreated sewage or wastewater is discharged into any water body or the River Kshipra.
The State Pollution Control Board has been directed to conduct inspections at 15-day intervals and, wherever violations are found, ensure remedial and punitive action, including calculation and recovery of environmental compensation.
The Tribunal has further directed that:
Proposed STPs and sewerage networks be expedited. Existing STPs and the Waste Stabilisation Pond be properly operated and maintained. Untreated drains be intercepted, diverted and treated. Constructed Wetlands and other nature-based treatment technologies be considered as interim measures. Treated wastewater be appropriately utilised for greenbelts, gardening and agriculture.Solid waste be removed from ghats, drains and riverbanks.
Encroachments on water bodies and public land in the Simhastha area be removed within 30 days. A dedicated grievance redressal system/App and mobile number be established for complaints relating to water quality and encroachments. A comprehensive report be submitted regarding solid-waste generation, available treatment capacity, existing gaps and arrangements proposed for Simhastha 2028.
The Tribunal has also directed the State Pollution Control Board to communicate the order to the District Collector, Ujjain; Municipal Corporation, Ujjain; Ujjain Development Authority; Simhastha Mela Authority; Commissioner, Ujjain, and other concerned respondents.
The concerned authorities have been directed to file their replies within one week, and an Action Taken Report is to be submitted before the next date of hearing.
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