Home / Environment / MP Court Orders Water Pollution Test Near Bhopal Gas Plant
MP Court Orders Water Pollution Test Near Bhopal Gas Plant
24 Jul
Summary
- High court ordered MPPCB to test groundwater pollution in 42 colonies.
- IITR Lucknow previously declared groundwater contaminated in 2011-2012 and 2018.
- MPPCB must submit its report by August 13, 2026.
A division bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the MP Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) to investigate the current state of groundwater contamination. The focus is on 42 colonies situated adjacent to the defunct Union Carbide plant. Previous testing by the Indian Institute of Toxicological Research (IITR), Lucknow, between 2011-2012 and again in 2018, had identified the underground water as contaminated.
This judicial order emerged from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) initiated by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) advocating for gas disaster survivors. The NGOs expressed concerns that toxic chemicals buried on the factory premises and within solar ponds continue to spread, potentially affecting more areas. The court has mandated that sample collection and testing occur soon, with specific dates of July 24 and July 27, 2026, set for this process.
MPPCB officials are instructed to ensure senior scientific officers are present for sample collection, which will be sealed in the presence of witnesses. The testing will be conducted either at an MPPCB facility or an accredited laboratory. The court expects the MPPCB to present its findings and report on August 13, 2026. The case is scheduled for its next hearing on September 3, 2026.
