NGT Demands Accountability Over Persistent Yamuna Pollution in Mathura-Vrindavan

April 22, 2026 : The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a fresh round of notices to several high-level agencies following reports of continued pollution in the Yamuna River. A bench led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava expressed concern over the alleged discharge of untreated sewage and industrial wastewater from the towns of Vrindavan and Kosi directly into the river.

The tribunal’s intervention stems from a plea asserting that its December 2021 mandates which included revamping sewage treatment infrastructure, clearing illegal encroachments, and launching reforestation drives have been largely ignored. The petitioner presented evidence indicating that the river water in these stretches remains dangerously contaminated and is currently unfit for drinking, domestic chores, or ritual bathing.

In response to the long-standing non-compliance, the NGT has sought formal explanations from the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), the Uttar Pradesh government, the Mathura Vrindavan Nagar Nigam, and both Central and State Pollution Control Boards. The authorities are expected to justify the delays before the next scheduled hearing on August 4.