Noida: In a major crackdown on environmental violations, the Noida Authority has imposed a fine of ₹35.80 lakh on Supertech Capetown Society for illegally discharging untreated sewage into a public drain. The society’s sewer connection was also severed following the violation. The action follows strict compliance directives issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which has been monitoring environmental breaches in Noida and adjoining regions.
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The society’s conduct violated several environmental laws, including the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981; and Solid Waste Management Rules of 2000 and 2016.
According to Pawan Varnwal, Officer, Water Division-I, Noida Authority:
We had issued multiple notices instructing the society to activate its Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), but they failed to act. Our inspections revealed untreated sewage being discharged at three locations into the main drainage system. A surprise inspection was conducted by Noida Authority CEO Dr. Lokesh M on June 27, which confirmed the direct release of raw sewage. Immediate action followed.
Pavan Varnwal, Offiver, Water Division
NGT Cracks Down Across Noida, Greater Noida, and NCR
The move is part of a larger effort triggered by NGT orders issued over the past year aimed at ensuring better sewage management, groundwater recharge, and solid waste processing across NCR. In various cases, the NGT has expressed strong displeasure over non-functional STPs, unauthorised discharge of effluents, and the poor state of rainwater harvesting systems in high-rise societies.
In 2023 and early 2024, the NGT passed a series of orders directing authorities in Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram to:
- Submit action plans for sewage and solid waste treatment.
- Impose environmental compensation on erring developers.
- Ensure functionality of STPs and ETPs (Effluent Treatment Plants).
- Penalise societies failing to implement rainwater harvesting structures.
As a result of these directions, the Noida Authority has so far penalised at least eight societies with FIRs filed in multiple instances of deliberate environmental negligence. Several builders have been summoned by the NGT-appointed monitoring committees** and were directed to file affidavits detailing compliance status.
Further Enforcement by Noida Authority
District Magistrate Manish Verma has now ordered officials from the Groundwater Department to audit the condition of rainwater harvesting and recharge structures in housing societies and government buildings. A fine of ₹5 lakh will be levied on societies that fail to submit mandatory compliance reports.
Residents Back the Enforcement
Amit Gupta, an environmentalist and resident of Cape Town, supported the move:
Strict action like this is essential. Residents deserve clean surroundings, and authorities must not tolerate such negligence any longer.
Amit Gupta, Environmentalist
The Noida Authority has reiterated its resolve to act against polluters and ensure that housing societies implement robust water and waste management systems in compliance with environmental laws and NGT guidelines.