The Supreme Court on Wednesday said pollution-free water forms a basic right under the constitutional framework as it took suo moto cognisance of the issue of contamination of rivers by sewage effluents. A bench, headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde, said: "We deem it appropriate at this stage to start with the issue of contamination of river Yamuna." The observation from the top court came on a plea by the Delhi Jal Board citing increased ammonia levels in Yamuna due to discharge of pollutants. The bench said the plea highlights an issue of great significance and consequence not only for general public but all living beings dependent upon open surface water.
Source: Business Insider India
