New Delhi [India], July 4 : The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday took strong note of the severe water pollution affecting residents in Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, and Fatehpur districts of Uttar Pradesh, directing the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, to intervene and assess the public health impact caused by exposure to toxic substances such as chromium and mercury.
In an order dated July 1, 2025, the tribunal expressed deep concern over reports of heavy metals detected in residents' blood samples, revealed during recent health camps in the region. Despite this alarming data, the NGT noted that no effective medical response has been put in place so far.
A bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson), Judicial Member Sudhir Agarwal, and Expert Member Dr. A. Senthil Vel stated "Having regard to the seriousness of the issue and considering that a large number of persons are affected or likely to be affected by heavy metals such as chromium and mercury, and noting the lack of effective medical assistance, we find it necessary to implead the Director of AIIMS, New Delhi, as a respondent."
The tribunal has directed AIIMS to download relevant reports and proceedings to assess the gravity of the situation. It has also granted permission to send a team of experts to the affected areas to determine the extent of exposure and recommend appropriate treatment. AIIMS has been asked to submit a comprehensive report within eight weeks. The matter will be next heard on October 7, 2025.
At the previous hearing, the NGT had sharply criticised the state authorities for their failure to implement earlier directives aimed at resolving the water contamination crisis. The tribunal emphasised the continuing hardships faced by thousands of residents due to contaminated groundwater and the lack of access to clean drinking water.
The NGT also pointed to abandoned chromium waste as a persistent source of groundwater contamination and warned of further public health hazards if urgent containment and cleanup measures are not taken. In response, the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh has been directed to ensure the immediate supply of clean water and medical help to the affected population.
The tribunal also reiterated the need for strict accountability and called for enforcement action against industries responsible for improper handling and dumping of hazardous waste.