NGT slams Uttar Pradesh Govt. over toxic Chromium dumps in Kanpur and Fatehpur, orders urgent action

New Delhi: In a stern rebuke to the Uttar Pradesh government, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed deep concern over the continued environmental and health crisis caused by toxic chromium and heavy metal contamination in several areas of Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, Rania, Rakhi Mandi, and Fatehpur.

The Tribunal has directed the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh to personally intervene and ensure immediate remedial action, including clean water supply and medical assistance to affected residents.

The matter, which has been under the Tribunal’s scrutiny through a series of Original Applications (OAs), centers around the illegal dumping of chromium waste and the resultant contamination of groundwater with mercury, fluoride, iron, and other heavy metals. A report submitted by the Amicus Curiae, following an on-ground assessment, revealed “pathetic” conditions in the affected sites.

According to findings presented to the Tribunal, health camps organized by the Medical Health and Family Welfare Department in suspected hotspots such as Rakhi Mandi and Afeem Kothi in Kanpur Nagar found dangerously high levels of chromium and mercury in blood samples.

Residents in these regions were reported to suffer from respiratory ailments, neurological disorders, behavioral changes, and skin diseases. Alarmingly, the J.K. Cancer Institute in Kanpur Nagar was found to lack proper facilities for heavy metal testing.

The Tribunal, in its order dated May 27, 2025, observed that “emergent steps are required to be taken” to safeguard the health and well-being of the residents, stating that serious efforts from the authorities were still lacking.

“It is evident that the seriousness of the matter has not been fully understood by the concerned authorities,” the order stated, highlighting the government’s failure to even ensure the minimum supply of clean drinking water in affected villages like Godharoli.

The NGT has now ordered the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh to directly oversee the crisis response and ensure the implementation of the following:

-Immediate provision of clean and adequate drinking water to all affected areas.

-Comprehensive medical intervention for residents found with heavy metal toxicity.

-Strict containment measures to prevent further spread of chromium and other contaminants.

-Submission of a fresh, detailed compliance report on all remedial actions taken.

Earlier submissions by the state government had claimed that hemodialysis facilities were available in all 75 districts, including the affected ones, pointing to a widespread impact on kidney health due to heavy metal exposure.

The Tribunal’s continued oversight and urgent directives mark a critical moment in one of the most serious environmental and public health crises currently unfolding in northern India. The next hearing will examine the compliance of the state’s authorities in implementing the measures mandated.