The NGT, on , directed the constitution of a joint committee to examine a complaint regarding the discharge of sewage on open land from Green Enclave, Mohali, in SAS Nagar district of Punjab.
The committee has been directed to conduct a site visit and take preventive, prohibitive and remedial measures to address the discharge of untreated sewage. It has also been asked to submit an action plan detailing steps taken or proposed, budgetary allocations, timelines, implementing agencies, utilisation of treated sewage for horticultural, agricultural or industrial purposes, and the designation of a nodal officer for coordination and monitoring.
The tribunal further directed that the committee’s report should recommend appropriate disciplinary action against defaulting officers and punitive action against violators. The report is to be submitted within one month.
The applicant, Vijay Kumar Pathania, had filed a letter petition dated January 11, 2024 complaining of sewage discharge on open land. On November 8, 2024, the NGT directed the formation of a joint committee, which submitted its report on January 10, 2025.
The committee reported that untreated wastewater from Green Enclave was stagnating on a plot owned by EMAAR Group, located behind the TDI project and the applicant’s house.
The tribunal observed that despite replies and reports being filed, no effective remedial steps had been taken to address the environmental issue. Instead of initiating preventive, prohibitive, rehabilitative and punitive action, the Punjab Pollution Control Board was focused on submitting comprehensive reports without enforcing compliance with directions already issued.
In a rejoinder filed on November 13, 2025, the applicant reiterated concerns regarding the stagnation of sewage on open land. During the hearing, the applicant submitted that the area in question did not earlier fall within the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation, SAS Nagar, Mohali, but under the Gram Panchayat, Green Enclave, with development regulated by the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA).
On November 19, 2025, the NGT directed the Gram Panchayat, Green Enclave, Zirakpur; GMADA; EMAAR Group; and the District Magistrate, SAS Nagar (Mohali) to file their replies. The tribunal was subsequently informed that the area now falls within the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation, Mohali (SAS Nagar).
The court also interacted with the Chief Administrator, GMADA; the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development), SAS Nagar; and the Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, Mohali, all of whom assured the tribunal that suitable remedial measures would be evolved and implemented.
