CPCB to review measures taken to clean Noida drains

Noida: A team of the Central Pollution Control Board ( CPCB ) collected samples from several places in Delhi and Noida, along Kondli and Shahadra drains on Tuesday, following an NGT order.

The CPCB is reviewing steps taken by different government agencies to clean both the drains in the past six months and will prepare a report soon.

A resident of Sector 137 had earlier complained that various government agencies in Delhi and Noida were letting untreated water into the drains polluting ground water and the Yamuna river.

“We have taken samples from two spots in Delhi and four in Noida. The water samples will now be tested and analysed. We have to submit the report by October 31, before the next hearing on November 4,” said an official from CPCB.

Samples will be tested for chemical content and faecal coliform or bacteria found in faecal matter.

NGT had also ordered East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC), Delhi Jal Board, Noida Authority and Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam to furnish performance guarantee amount of Rs 1 crore each. All four agencies were found to be contributing towards polluting Shahadra and Kondli drains that further meet the Yamuna river, according to a CPCB report submitted to NGT. The agencies had to take measures suggested by CPCB towards cleaning the drains, failing which the amount of Rs 1 crore will be forfeited.

“None of the authorities have submitted the performance guarantee amount yet. While some agencies have started taking steps that were suggested, others are yet to begin work,” said the official.