Use STP water in stadiums, washing of Metro trains: NGT to DJB

Green panel also asked DJB to conduct a study in this regard and find out the best possible way to re-use water

National Green Tribunal has directed Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to prepare a scheme in consultation with IIT-Delhi and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on using the water released from sewage treatment plants (STPs) in stadiums and for washing Delhi Metro trains and DTC buses.

The green panel asked DJB to conduct a study in this regard and find out the best possible way to re-use the water generated from the STPs.

"DJB shall prepare a scheme for recycling of water that would be generated for purposes for agriculture, horticulture, construction and industrial particularly cooling the power projects.

"The possibility should be examined if the discharge of water can be used for Feroz Shah Kotla stadium and Ambedkar stadium and washing of Metro and DTC buses," a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said.

It also directed Delhi Development Authority (DDA) Vice Chairman to hold a meeting within two weeks with DJB, municipal corporations of Delhi, CPCB, Central Public Works Department and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to find ways for possible end-use of treated sewage and identify activities for its re-use.

"DDA shall bring to the notice of the all concerned that the extraction of ground water without compliance of the directions issued by the tribunal, is prohibited," it said.

The NGT also made it clear that "maintenance and normal routine expenditure" has not been stopped by it, but can only be done "with the approval of the CEO, DJB personally ."

The green panel had earlier taken DJB to task for spending money on Yamuna without its permission and directed it not to spend a "single penny" on rejuvenation of the river without its approval.

It had also directed DJB not to surrender the amount allocated to it in the last financial year for rejuvenation of Yamuna to the Delhi government and asked it to spend the funds for implementation of its 'Maili se Nirmal Yamuna Revitalisation Project'.