14. POLLUTION IN RIVER GOMTI : Writ Petition (Civil) No. 327/1990 (Vineet Kumar Mathur Vs UOI & Ors.)

This writ petition was filed in 1990 regarding pollution caused by the industries located in the cities of Luchnow, Sitapur and Lakhimpur Khiri. The Central Pollution Control Board submitted various inspection reports in respect of the status of pollution in the river Gomti. In the same matter, the Hon’ble court ordered that it appeared that Nagarpalikas and Municipalities were directly discharging the polluted water into the river Gomti without any treatment. It was suggested that modern low cost technologies are now available where with least expenses the water could be treated before discharge into the river. The Hon’ble Court on 29.3.2001 directed the Central Board to submit a detailed scheme indicating for adoption of these modern low cost technologies. The Central Board submitted on 9.5.2001 the details of the low cost technologies for treatment of sewage. The Hon’ble Court on 7.11.2001 after considering of the submission of the Central Board directed the State of U.P. to acquire necessary land for having the oxidation ponds in different cities through which the river Gomti passes. The State of U.P. submitted that in view of the policy decision of the high level meeting of National River Conservation Authority (NRCA) held on 13.1.2001, it might not be necessary for the State to identify the land in towns referred in the Court order unless and until the NRCA include the towns for providing appropriate sewage treatment by way of oxidation ponds. The Hon’ble Court on 16.1.2002 observed that since, these towns have been identified as the main source of pollution of river Gomti, it was the obligation of the State to provide necessary land required to have oxidation ponds and directed the State of U.P. to acquire the necessary land required for the said towns for having oxidation ponds and complete the process of acquisition within three months from the date of this order. The State of U.P. should submit an affidavit that identification of land and the acquisition process also completed in the aforesaid towns so that further directions could be given for providing funds for having the oxidation ponds. The matter is under consideration of the Hon’ble Court.