NGT Directs Coimbatore Corporation to Install GPS on Sewage Tankers Amid Public Health Concerns

NGT Directs Coimbatore Corporation to Install GPS on Sewage Tankers Amid Public Health Concerns

In a significant environmental intervention, the Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) to install GPS tracking systems on all sewage and septic tank cleaning tankers within three months. The directive aims to curb illegal waste dumping and improve sanitation standards in the city.

Residents Raise Stink Over Foul Odours and Health Hazards

The tribunal’s ruling comes in response to ongoing complaints from residents of Ukkadam and Anbu Nagar, who have been grappling with foul odours, unhygienic conditions, and potential health hazards linked to improper sewage disposal practices.

The issue gained traction following a public protest in December 2023 outside the CCMC headquarters. Residents called for the relocation of the Ukkadam sewage treatment plant, blaming it for the unbearable stench and deteriorating living conditions in nearby areas.

NGT Finds Core Problem Lies in Unauthorized Dumping

However, in its latest ruling, Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member Sathyagopal clarified that the real problem lies not in the treatment plant, but in the unauthorized dumping of untreated sewage by private tankers in open areas.

“Relocating the facility is unnecessary. The real concern is the lack of monitoring over how waste is being handled before reaching the treatment unit,” the tribunal observed.

To ensure transparency and accountability, the NGT has now mandated the installation of GPS devices on all sewage tankers. This will help track their movement, prevent illegal dumping, and support proper enforcement by city officials.

Infrastructure Upgrades and Enforcement Deadlines

In addition to GPS tracking, the NGT’s directive includes a series of instructions aimed at enhancing waste management and civic hygiene in Coimbatore:

• Complete pending sewage infrastructure works within six months.

• Strictly enforce Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.

• Immediately halt the dumping of construction debris, plastic waste, and sand in open spaces.

The tribunal emphasized the need for sustainable urban waste management systems and proactive civic administration to avoid recurring environmental and health crises.

Coimbatore's Waste Woes: A Wake-Up Call

The situation in Coimbatore is a stark reminder of the challenges urban India faces in managing sewage and solid waste. Despite the presence of sewage treatment infrastructure, loopholes in enforcement and unregulated waste disposal practices continue to affect thousands of residents.

With a fast-growing population and increasing pressure on urban services, the CCMC’s ability to implement the tribunal’s directives effectively will be crucial in restoring public confidence and ensuring a cleaner environment for its citizens.

What This Means for Residents

If implemented effectively, the NGT’s GPS directive could bring long-overdue relief to residents living near sewage hotspots like Ukkadam. Better tracking will ensure that sewage is properly processed and not dumped illegally, thereby reducing the spread of disease, foul odours, and water contamination.

The focus now shifts to how quickly and transparently the CCMC acts on these instructions—and whether systemic change will follow in Coimbatore’s urban sanitation policies.