The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated suo motu proceedings based on a news report regarding the contamination of drinking water at the Supertech Ecovillage 2 housing society in Greater Noida.

A coram comprising Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Judicial Member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, and Expert Members Dr. A. Senthil Vel and Dr. Afroz Ahmad found that the case suggested a violation of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and the Environment Protection Act.

A news article published in The Indian Express on September 13, 2024, reported that the water supply at Greater Noida's Supertech Ecovillage 2 housing society was found to contain traces of E. coli bacteria and bleaching powder, resulting in over 300 residents, including 170 children, falling ill. The affected individuals experienced symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and fever.

The article highlighted that the presence of E. coli in drinking water posed serious health risks, particularly gastrointestinal infections and diarrhea, with more severe consequences for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. The contamination was attributed to possible factors, including improper flushing of the water tank. The report also pointed out that while the Greater Noida Authority is responsible for supplying water to the reservoir of group housing societies, the internal distribution is managed by either the builder or the Apartment Owners Association (AOA).

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) concluded that the news article raised significant concerns regarding non-compliance with the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and the Environment Protection Act. As a result, the NGT issued notices to the Greater Noida Authority, Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and the District Magistrate of Noida, directing them to submit their responses in the form of affidavits at least one week before the next hearing, scheduled for January 28, 2025.