TNI Bureau: The Eastern Zone Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken cognisance of alleged illegal groundwater extraction by JSW Utkal Steel Limited in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district, issuing notices to the company and other respondents.
The Bench, comprising Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi (Judicial Member) and Expert Member Ishwar Singh, was hearing Original Application No. 70/2026/EZ filed by environmental activist Dillip Kumar Samantaray. The petition raises concerns over alleged violations linked to the company’s greenfield integrated steel plant project near Paradeep.
According to the application, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change had granted environmental clearance to the project with a strict condition prohibiting groundwater extraction. The company was instead mandated to source water from the Mahanadi river near Jobra Barrage. However, the petitioner alleges that the firm has breached this condition by installing numerous borewells across its project area of over 4,000 acres.
The plea cites information obtained through the Central Ground Water Board, indicating that only two No Objection Certificates (NOCs) were issued for limited tubewell use.
Despite this, large-scale groundwater extraction is alleged to be ongoing, raising fears of aquifer depletion and ecological stress in the region.
Further allegations include failure to install tamper-proof digital flow meters and the absence of observation wells (piezometers), both of which are essential for monitoring groundwater usage. The petitioner has also questioned the legality of the NOCs granted, arguing that they may be inconsistent with the conditions stipulated in the environmental clearance.
Appearing for the applicant, Advocate Akhand argued that unchecked groundwater extraction could have serious environmental and social consequences, particularly for local communities dependent on these resources. He urged the tribunal to initiate strict regulatory and punitive action against the company and ensure accountability of the authorities involved.
Taking note of the submissions, the tribunal observed that the case raises substantial environmental questions under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. It has directed all respondents to file their replies within one month.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on May 26, 2026.
 has taken cognisance of alleged illegal groundwater extraction by JSW Utkal Steel Limited in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district, issuing notices to the company and other respondents.){kind=link}