NGT Scrutinizes Kanpur Industrial Pollution, IIT-Kanpur Awarded Rs 2.65 Crore for Environmental Survey
The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi conducted a comprehensive review of multiple cases concerning industrial pollution in the Kanpur region on Thursday. The hearing specifically addressed critical issues of water contamination caused by tanneries located in Jajmau, Rania, Rakhi Mandi, and Godhrauli village.
State of Uttar Pradesh Seeks Adjournment for Compliance Reports
During the proceedings, the State of Uttar Pradesh formally requested a three-week adjournment to prepare and submit updated compliance reports to the Tribunal. The state's legal representatives presented significant developments in their ongoing efforts to address the environmental crisis.
The state disclosed that a substantial budget of Rs. 2.65 crore has been officially sanctioned and released to the Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur (IIT-Kanpur). These funds are designated for conducting an extensive cluster-based environmental sampling survey that will comprehensively assess pollution levels across multiple domains.
Comprehensive Environmental Study Planned
The forthcoming study by IIT-Kanpur represents a major scientific initiative to understand the full scope of contamination in the affected areas. The research will systematically evaluate:
- Air quality and atmospheric pollution levels
- Groundwater contamination and quality parameters
- Soil pollution and chemical composition analysis
- Food chain contamination and bioaccumulation effects
The state authorities confirmed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IIT-Kanpur and relevant government departments is expected to be finalized and signed in the near future, formalizing this collaborative environmental assessment project.
Compliance with Amicus Curiae Recommendations
In addition to the environmental study initiative, the State of Uttar Pradesh committed to filing a detailed affidavit within three weeks addressing compliance with 22 specific recommendations previously made by the Amicus Curiae in this case. The state further informed the Tribunal about progress on infrastructure measures, including approved funding for constructing a boundary wall around the affected area in Kanpur Dehat, with detailed progress reports promised in subsequent filings.
AIIMS Director's Compliance Status
The Amicus Curiae brought to the Tribunal's attention that the Director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi has not yet submitted the affidavit required under the NGT's earlier order dated July 1, 2025. Legal counsel representing AIIMS assured the Tribunal that necessary administrative steps would be promptly taken to ensure compliance, with the required documentation to be filed within four weeks.
Next Hearing Scheduled
The National Green Tribunal has officially listed this matter for further hearing on July 21, 2026, providing a clear timeline for monitoring progress on these environmental remediation initiatives in the Kanpur region. This extended timeline allows for the completion of the comprehensive environmental study and implementation of compliance measures.
