The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has requested a response from the Union Department of Water on the issue of the use of drinking water for industrial purposes and its pollution.
NGT Chairperson Justice (retd) Adarsh Kumar Goel issued notice to the Ministry and other respondents while dealing a plea against alleged green violations of industrial units at Barhi Industrial area in Haryana’s Sonipat.
“We note that on the one hand, potable water is being allowed to be used for industrial purposes, on the other hand, the sewage water which can be used for such purposes is being mixed with potable water in stormwater drains and rivers resulting in contamination of potable water. A comprehensive water management strategy may require preventing pollution and the use of potable water for industrial purposes.
“For this purpose, we find it necessary to implead as party and to issue notice to the Ministry of Jal Shakti for its response,” the tribunal said in its order.
The bench has also issued an advisory to the Haryana Water Resources Authority to consider whether groundwater extraction can be permitted in overexploited areas.
Groundwater extraction for commercial/industrial purposes was permitted in heavily mined areas where there was no recharge, contrary to the principle of “sustainable development”.