Overview
- The Principal Bench took suo motu cognisance of media reports on sewage mixing with drinking water in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, initiating formal proceedings.
- Notices were issued to the three state governments, their Pollution Control Boards and MoEF&CC regional offices, with the CPCB directed to file its response.
- The Central Zone Bench in Bhopal formed a six-member committee including IIT Indore and CPCB representatives to conduct a ground-level probe and report within six weeks.
- The tribunal scheduled a compliance review for March 30 and directed immediate operational measures such as a 24x7 water MIS and app, GIS mapping, chlorination, regular tank cleaning and urgent pipeline repairs.
- Reports cited by the tribunal describe illnesses in Greater Noida, E. coli detection in Bhopal and recent fatalities in Indore, framing access to safe water as part of the right to life under Article 21.