Kanpur:The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, New Delhihas directed the state govt to file a further compliance affidavit within four weeks in the ongoing cases concerning chromium and heavy metal contamination affecting Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat and Fatehpur.The Tribunal noted that state government has released Rs 2.65 crore to IIT-Kanpur for a comprehensive scientific assessment involving environmental sampling, groundwater and soil investigation, and mapping of contamination hotspots. The Tribunal was informed that the work has commenced and will be completed in two phases.During the hearing, the Amicus Curiae placed on record a newspaper report alleging that certain industrial units from Fatehpur were illegally dumping fresh chromium waste in Purwamir village during the night despite closure orders. Observing that such allegations, if found to be true, raise serious concerns regarding the functioning of the state authorities, the Bench directed the Secretary, Environment, government of Uttar Pradesh, to investigate the matter and submit a status report.The Tribunal also observed that complete information regarding the medical treatment and assistance provided to all persons whose blood samples showed chromium and mercury contamination has not yet been furnished. The State has been directed to submit detailed information regarding the medical facilities extended to every identified victim.The Bench further sought clarification from the State regarding the decision to entrust recruitment to the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board through IIT-Kanpur.Additionally, the Tribunal directed the State to disclose whether it is prepared to establish one heavy metal testing laboratory in each of the three affected districts—Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat and Fatehpur. The matter has been listed for further hearing on 5 October 2026.
