NGT takes suo moto cognizance of Noida techie’s tragic death in water-filled ditch

January 22, 2026

New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognisance of a news report regarding the tragic death of 27-year-old software engineer Yuvraj Mehta, whose car fell into a water-filled ditch in Noida’s Sector-150. A Bench of Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Dr A. Senthil Vel has issued notices to the Noida Authority, UP Pollution Control Board, Irrigation Department, Principal Secretary (Environment), and Gautam Buddha Nagar District Magistrate. The authorities have been directed to file their responses via affidavit at least one week prior to the next hearing, scheduled for April 10.

Cause of the accident linked to waterlogging

According to reports, the incident occurred when Yuvraj Mehta’s car fell into a water-filled trench after a sharp right-angle turn amid foggy conditions. The land was originally allotted for a private mall project, but over the years, rainwater and wastewater from nearby housing societies turned it into a pond. Despite a stormwater management plan by the UP Irrigation Department in 2015, no remedial measures were implemented, and a proposed head regulator to divert excess water into the Hindon River remained unexecuted, causing severe waterlogging and stagnant water.

Investigations and administrative action underway

The NGT observed that the incident indicates a potential violation of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Meanwhile, a Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted on the directions of CM Yogi Adityanath, has begun probing the circumstances of Yuvraj Mehta’s death and is required to submit its report within five days. Following the incident, Noida Authority CEO Lokesh M. was removed, a junior engineer terminated, and a builder-cum-developer arrested on charges of criminal negligence.