NGT mandates GPS in all commercial water tankers

New Delhi: National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ruled that all water tankers operating for commercial supply in Delhi, including those transporting treated sewage water, must mandatorily install GPS devices, closing a key loophole in monitoring water transport.

The order came in a matter where the tribunal refused to exempt tankers carrying treated water from sewage treatment plants (STPs), clarifying that its earlier directions of May 2025 apply to all commercial tankers.

While acknowledging that treated wastewater supplied by Delhi Jal Board (DJB) is distinct from groundwater and environmentally beneficial, the bench said GPS tracking is essential to prevent illegal groundwater extraction being masked as legitimate supply.

The tribunal also flagged gaps in DJB’s monitoring system, including poor record-keeping and the lack of mandatory documents with tanker drivers. It directed the utility to issue gate passes and maintain proper records for every tanker. It warned that officials and tanker operators would face legal action for non-compliance, reinforcing stricter enforcement to curb illegal groundwater trade in the capital.

Earlier during the course of the matter, two intervenor applicants had sought clarification that the directions should not apply to tankers transporting treated sewage water. They also sought protection from coercive action.

Accordingly, the tribunal issued directions, including issuing of gate and transit passes for each tanker and maintain proper records.

“DJB must issue gate passes and transit passes in duplicate at the time of filling of tankers with STP-treated water and must give one copy to the tanker driver and maintain a second copy in its record. DJB must also maintain proper record in chronological order with serialised entries of all tankers that are supplied STP-treated water with names of the owner, driver, number of the tanker and quantity of STP water. In case of failure to do so, the CEO, DJB, and officer concerned will be liable to be prosecuted for non-compliance with the orders,” the April 6 order said. It added that the copies of the documents regarding supply of STP-treated water, including gate pass and transit pass issued by DJB, must be with the tanker driver at all times of transportation.