In Delhi Jal Board v. State of Haryana, the petition was filed for the discharge of pollutants in the Yamuna River which affects the general public and all other living beings dependent on that. In this case, the court observed that the rivers are a lifeline of human civilization and it shows great amount of gratitude to living creatures.
Due to rapid population and industrialization, the demand for fresh water has increased. The adverse effect of water pollution is evidently seen. The court also said that the Article 21 of the Indian Constitution provides for the right to life with human dignity.
The right to a clean environment without pollution is a basic right to life under Article 21.On 13th January, the Supreme Court took a suo moto action and issued notice to the following states:· Uttarakhand· Himachal Pradesh· Haryana· Delhi· Uttar Pradesh.Also the notice was issued to the Central Government and CPCB.
The bench directed the CPCB to produce a report with a list of municipalities who have not installed treatment plants for sewage along the river. The Court also wanted to know the source of prominent contamination with the priority list of Municipalities.
