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NGT Seeks Answers on Kanpur Pollution Crisis
28 Jul
Summary
- NGT orders UP govt to submit compliance affidavit in four weeks.
- Rs 2.65 crore released to IIT-Kanpur for scientific contamination assessment.
- Allegations of illegal chromium waste dumping probed by authorities.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has mandated that the Uttar Pradesh government must submit a further compliance affidavit within four weeks concerning ongoing cases of chromium and heavy metal contamination. This issue affects the districts of Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, and Fatehpur.
Significant progress has been made, with Rs 2.65 crore released to IIT-Kanpur for a thorough scientific assessment. This assessment includes environmental sampling, groundwater and soil investigations, and mapping contamination hotspots, and has commenced in two phases.
During the hearing, serious allegations of illegal chromium waste dumping by industrial units from Fatehpur were presented. The NGT has directed the Secretary of Environment, Uttar Pradesh, to investigate these claims and submit a report, emphasizing concerns about state authority functioning.
Furthermore, the tribunal highlighted the incomplete submission of information regarding medical treatment for affected individuals. Detailed data on medical facilities extended to every identified victim is now required. The state must also clarify its decision to entrust recruitment for the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board to IIT-Kanpur. The NGT has directed the state to disclose its preparedness to establish heavy metal testing laboratories in each of the three affected districts. The next hearing is scheduled for October 5, 2026.
