- Friends NGO filed an application against Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) and other Associations alleging misuse of water at Kotla Cricket Club.
- The NGT while orally observing that manufacture and sale of RO systems ought not to be banned directed Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), to conduct inspection and collect water samples from various houses where DJB or the Corporation are supplying water as well as samples from tanks/sources from where the water supply is being made to various parts of the city and analyse those samples and place the report before the Tribunal.
- Central Pollution Control Board requested the adjournment of the hearing to enable them to file a detailed report at the next date of hearing as they have already collected the samples for analysis. Also, DDCA requested for time for filing suitable reply against the allegation that they are using RO water for Kotla Cricket ground.
- The Tribunal adjourned the case to October 31 and also directed other Defendants who have not filed their reply so far to file the same within two weeks and also give copies of the reply to Friends NGO. The Tribunal has also given liberty to Friends NGO to file their Rejoinder within two weeks.
- The Water Quality India Association is a duly recognized and registered Water Industry Association, hence, the burden of defending RO systems and its manufacturers is primarily on WQA India
- Governmental Agencies /Authorities including the CPCB have not been prompt in filing their reports/ replies before the NGT. It would be in the interest of the Association to follow up the matter with such agencies/ authorities and provide to them materials such as studies /reports etc. in order to ensure that the correct position vis-à-vis RO water purification systems is placed before the Tribunal.
Mr Pratap Venugopal, Senior Counsel of the Supreme Court, representing WQA India in the NGT matter recommended that In spite of a strong and meaningful defence which has been submitted, WQA India members are urged to show greater sensitivity in the matter of RO reject. He advised members to begin educating consumers on the various ways in which RO reject water could be reused, and the same to feature in all written communication material of RO manufacturers. In the meanwhile the NGT has directed certain authorities implicated in the case to come up with their defence arguments, and the matter is subjudice.