NGT Orders Pond Demarcation In Lucknow Over Sharp Groundwater Decline

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed authorities in Lucknow to demarcate ponds in the Uttar Pradesh capital within six weeks, citing concerns over a sharp decline in groundwater levels.

A bench headed by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava allowed a joint request from the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) seeking an adjournment to carry out the demarcation exercise based on revenue records.

The tribunal ordered that the exercise be completed within six weeks and a report be submitted along with an affidavit. The matter remains listed for further hearing on March 12, 2026.

The bench, also comprising Expert Member Dr A Senthil Vel, was hearing a suo motu case initiated following a media report that highlighted a drastic fall in the groundwater table in Lucknow, with levels dropping by as much as 160 feet over the past decade.

According to the report, in areas such as Azad Nagar in Geetapalli, residents earlier accessed groundwater at around 80 feet, but now have to drill to nearly 240 feet.

Status Sought on Groundwater Management Plan

Earlier, the NGT had sought a status report on the implementation of the block-wise groundwater management plan prepared by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) for the city.

During a previous hearing, the District Magistrate and the Municipal Commissioner of Lucknow had sought time to place on record details of water bodies falling within the jurisdiction of the Lucknow Municipal Corporation, including information on encroachments and their current condition.

The Central Ground Water Authority had also informed the tribunal that a National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM) study took place in Lucknow district in 2021.

Based on this study, the CGWB prepared block-wise management plans recommending measures such as artificial recharge, water conservation and improved water-use efficiency to arrest further groundwater depletion.

In May 2024, the NGT took note of a press report which stated that rainwater harvesting schemes of the Municipal Corporation and the Lucknow Development Authority existed largely on paper and had ‘failed miserably,’ with most apartments lacking adequate facilities to store rainwater.

Observing that the issues raised attracted provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the green tribunal took suo motu cognisance of the matter and issued notices to the concerned authorities