Kanpur's Chromium Crisis: NGT pushes for immediate action on water supply

A feasibility report prepared by a committee highlights that residents in these regions require 135 litres of water per person daily. The Additional Advocate General representing the UP government assured that the matter of ensuring an adequate water supply would be reconsidered, necessary arrangements would be made, and a revised report would be submitted.

Upon reviewing the reply filed by the Principal Secretary of the Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Department of the Uttar Pradesh government on March 17, 2025, in response to recommendations made by the Amicus Curiae, the tribunal noted several concerns.

Regarding the recommendation to install RO-NF water plants for clean water access in Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, and Fatehpur, the Principal Secretary's response revealed that adequate measures for supplying potable water are still lacking.

An assessment of the water supply in Afeem Kothi's railway colony, home to 5,000 residents, shows that the provision of only 50 KLD through 10-11 tankers falls significantly short of the required amount, even based on conservative consumption estimates. Similar deficiencies exist in other affected areas. While the government has outlined a long-term plan to provide surface water, an urgent concern remains for the upcoming summer season, where sufficient water access will be critical for survival.

The Bench led by Justice Prakash Shrivastava, has consistently pressured the Uttar Pradesh government and its agencies to take decisive action in alleviating the hardships faced by communities impacted by chromium contamination in Kanpur district.

For years, abandoned chromium waste at multiple locations has severely polluted groundwater, depriving local residents of safe drinking water. Following extensive assessments, the tribunal has now undertaken remediation efforts with a structured timeline for completion. Additionally, the NGT has imposed penalties on factories found guilty of improperly handling hazardous chemicals.