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Toxic groundwater in Kanpur belt: NGT directs UP govt to ensure medical care, relief for affected residents
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has addressed toxic groundwater contamination by heavy metals like chromium and mercury in Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, and Fatehpur districts due to tanneries and chromium dumps, directing the Uttar Pradesh government to map affected areas, provide medical care, and implement remediation.
Why It Matters
Affects health of thousands with elevated heavy metal levels in blood, threatens groundwater, surface water, soil, and food chain, impacting life and livelihood in industrial Kanpur belt.
Timeline
8 Events
NGT directs medical care and compliance details
Early 2026 (exact date unspecified)
NGT directs UP state to disclose medical treatment, facilities, and assistance for affected residents listed with chromium and mercury in blood samples from Rakhi Mandi, Rania, etc.; grants 6 weeks for detailed report. Next hearing April 7.[3]
DM Kanpur Nagar compliance report with IIT Kanpur survey proposal
02.02.2026
District Magistrate Kanpur Nagar submits action taken report in compliance with NGT order of 25.11.2025, proposing IIT Kanpur cluster-based survey for contaminants in water, soil, air across three districts in two phases with GIS mapping.[5]
NGT hearing and action taken reports
25.11.2025
NGT hears matter on industrial pollution; compliance reports filed by district magistrates. Directions issued for further action.[5][7]
NGT directs mapping of contamination
12.11.2025
NGT directs UP government to submit within two weeks a timeline for mapping heavy metal contamination in Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, and Fatehpur; seeks data on affected persons, medical facilities, and prior recommendations implementation. Next hearing November 25.[2][4]
Health testing begins
January 2020
Health department starts testing residents for heavy metals; continues to October 2025 with 514 tests in Kanpur Nagar (492 positive for chromium), 214 in Kanpur Dehat, 171 in Fatehpur (147 positive).[2][4]
NGT sets timeline for clearing chromium dump
22.08.2019
NGT fixes timeline for clearing chromium dump in Uttar Pradesh within three months, or pay Rs. 10 lakh environmental compensation.[1]
NGT order on chromium remediation
29.11.2018
NGT directs remediation of chromium dumps at Kanpur Dehat, Khanpur, and Rakhi Mandi, and ensures proper e-flow from Narora Barrage.[1]
Chromium dump established
1976
Chromium dump comes into existence at Rania, Kanpur Dehat, and Rakhi Mandi, affecting groundwater.[1]