Untreated Sewage Flowing Into Yamuna: CPCB Report to Be Heard by Supreme Court Today

Noida, Uttar Pradesh: The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a case on Wednesday concerning the discharge of untreated sewage into the Yamuna River, after the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) submitted a report flagging serious lapses in wastewater treatment in Noida.

In its submission, the CPCB stated that untreated or partially treated sewage is being released into the Yamuna through the Kodli stormwater drain. The Noida Authority, however, told the court that it has treatment capacity exceeding the city’s sewage output and claims that 100% of wastewater is being processed.

According to the Authority’s report, Noida has a total sewage treatment capacity of 411 MLD (million litres per day) against an estimated generation of 240 MLD. Officials said treated water is being supplied to industries and that a phased plan is underway to trap and divert drains to treatment systems. Of the city’s 30 drains, six are dry and 24 have been geo-tagged, with several linked to sewage treatment plants (STPs) or in-situ wetlands.

CPCB flags major compliance failures

The CPCB informed the court that inspections conducted in December 2025 covered eight STPs and three in-situ wetlands in Noida. Only three of the eight STPs met prescribed pollution standards, while the remaining plants failed to comply with one or more key parameters.

A majority of the plants failed the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) benchmark, a critical indicator of water pollution. High BOD levels suggest excessive organic pollution and low dissolved oxygen, conditions that can be fatal for aquatic life. The CPCB said BOD levels were found to be particularly high in drain water just before it entered the Yamuna, indicating the discharge of untreated sewage.

Sampling at multiple sewer outlets also showed elevated pollution levels, strengthening concerns that wastewater is bypassing or inadequately treated by existing facilities.

Concerns extend to Greater Noida West

The report also highlights poor sewage management in parts of Greater Noida West, where several group housing societies are allegedly releasing untreated wastewater directly into drains due to non-functional or absent STPs. Residents claim repeated complaints to local authorities have not resulted in corrective action.

In Victory One Central society, where around 400 families live across eight occupied towers, residents say installed STP machinery remains non-operational despite possession being handed over years ago. Similar complaints have emerged from Aims Green Avenue in Sector 4, home to about 700 families, where untreated sewage reportedly accumulates in basement areas before flowing into open drains connected to the Hindon River.

Environmental data cited in the report suggests the Hindon’s fecal coliform level has reached approximately 330,000 MPN per 100 ml — far above the acceptable limit of 500 for bathing water and 50 for drinking water — rendering it unsafe for human use.

A related matter concerning pollution in the Hindon and Yamuna rivers is also listed for hearing before the National Green Tribunal later this week. Authorities are expected to present further compliance plans during the proceedings.