Lucknow, May 2 -- Reviewing the status of sewage and drain management in several districts of Uttar Pradesh, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the state government to address deficiencies in sewage management and submit a comprehensive progress report. Last week, a bench of justice Prakash Shrivastava, and expert members A Senthil Vel and Afroz Ahmad passed the order while hearing a petition relating to sewage management in Uttar Pradesh. During hearing of the petition, NGT reviewed a status report on sewage management submitted by the state government. The Tribunal directed the state government to ensure lawful and scientific treatment of sewage and submit a comprehensive progress report before the next hearing on August 3, 2026. During the hearing, the Tribunal considered an additional affidavit filed by the state government. It emphasised that stormwater drains cannot be used as a permanent solution for sewage treatment. The state government informed the Tribunal that a detailed project report (DPR) for construction of a 30 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and tapping of six drains in Rae Bareli district had been prepared but was rejected by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) on March 11, 2026. A revised proposal is now under consideration for approval. In Pratapgarh district, the Tribunal noted that while some drains are being treated through STPs and constructed wetlands, untreated sewage is being discharged into wetlands for bio-remediation. The Tribunal clarified that such practice is not permissible and directed the state government to provide a clear explanation in its next affidavit. Regarding Jaunpur district, the Tribunal observed that 14 drains have been tapped and connected to a 30 MLD STP. However, the work of laying sewer networks and ensuring household connectivity is still in progress. A significant portion of the proposed sewer infrastructure remains pending for approval and completion....