The NGT said its order of January 11, restraining all

builders of Noida and Greater Noida from "extracting" ground water for construction or any other purpose, shall continue till the next date of hearing after going through an affidavit filed by the Uttar Pradesh government. The Uttar Pradesh government in its affidavit has said that "ground water situation has reached critical dimensions at various places", including Noida and Greater Noida. It has also said in its affidavit that "no construction company or drinking water packaging industry has so far sought no-objection certificate for Noida and Greater Noida area from the Ground Water Department of Uttar Pradesh". The tribunal was hearing the plea of Noida resident Vikrant Kumar Tongad who has alleged that the underground water situation has reached critical dimensions in Noida and Greater Noida and there is also a serious water pollution problem there.