NGT Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Noida Techie's Death, Cites Authority Lapses

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) initiated suo motu cognisance regarding the death of a 27-year-old tech professional, Yuvraj Mehta, who drowned in a waterlogged trench in Noida.
• Yuvraj Mehta plunged into a flooded pit in Noida Sector 150, dug for a project, and despite calling for help, could not be rescued due to dense fog and inadequate equipment.
• The NGT noted that a storm water management plan from 2015 remained unimplemented, and delays in remedial measures by the Noida Authority led to severe waterlogging and increased risk.
• The Tribunal observed that the incident prima facie indicates lapses by the Noida Authority and a violation of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Noida Authority has suspended Junior Engineer Naveen Kumar and issued show-cause notices to other officials, citing the absence of reflector signs at the accident site.

Why It Matters: NGT holds authorities accountable for the Noida techie's death, highlighting severe lapses in storm water management.