(Feature Image: A water conservation message painted on a wall in Dehradun. BS Rawat/SANDRP, May 2024)
This fifth part of annual groundwater overview covers top ten judicial interventions regarding groundwater in India in 2024. The first part of the overview compiles important groundwater studies published in 2024. The second part and third part have compiled the reports revealing rising contamination and depletion of groundwater resources in India. The fourth part has focused the top ten relevant decisions taken by various governments regarding management and conservation of the finite natural resource in the country.
Summary: During the year, legal proceedings dealing with contamination and depletion of groundwater kept going on in the NGT and various High Courts. At national level the NGT in February 2024 observed that the CGWA had taken no concrete steps to address the arsenic and fluoride contamination of groundwater. In March 2024, the tribunal asked the CGWA to submit another report on ground level actions regarding the issue.
National Green Tribunal In May 2024, the NGT sought responses from Agricultural Ministry and CPCB regarding presence of arsenic in rice. On December 16, 2024, the Centre submitted that the West Bengal and Bihar states are most affected by arsenic contamination of groundwater and irrigation of crops by groundwater is major route for arsenic entry into agricultural soils and then into food chain. The matter was then posted for April 15, 2025.
In another case, the tribunal directed CGWA to file an action taken report on steps being taken to contain depletion of groundwater and sought details for each of the affected states after it was informed that till date no directions to enforce and monitor the groundwater withdrawals under Environment Protection Act (EPA) 1986, have been issued by the authority.
Continuing the hearing into plea against the use of groundwater in 13 cricket stadiums across the country without considering alternative sources like rainwater and STP treated water, the NGT on November 26, directed the CGWA to file the guidelines in this regard & posted the matter for March 19, 2025.
In a report submitted regarding the issue on Nov 20, 2024, the CGWA informed the NGT that of 26 cricket stadiums (as per BCCI list) 14 were regulated by the CGWA and 12 by SGWA. The 3 stadiums in Cuttack, Raipur and Jaipur had not applied for groundwater extraction NOC. While the Cuttack stadium was issued NOC on Nov 13, 2024, the stadiums in Raipur and Jaipur still lacked NOCs.
The CGWA also submitted that after failure of Rajasthan Cricket Association to apply for NOC regarding Jaipur stadium despite repeated reminders, the CGWA on November 11, 2024, directed the administration to seal the stadium’s borewells and submit an ATR by November 16, 2024. The matter was earlier heard in May 2024 and March 2023.
In another matter related to Rajasthan, the NGT in September 2024, directed the chief secretary to instruct DMs across the state to take immediate action against illegal groundwater extraction. It also ordered authorities to submit a follow-up report within one month, detailing the enforcement actions taken. Taking sou moto cognizance of a June 2023 newspaper report revealing dangerous polluted red colour water coming out from hand-pumps and borewells of Industrial area in Sanwer Road Industrial Area in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, the NGT in August 2024 sought responses from MoEF, CPCB, SGWB and MPPCB and listed the matter for September 30, 2024, for further consideration.
High Courts: In Himachal Pradesh, hearing the matter of groundwater pollution in the Baddi-Barotiwala industrial area in Solan district, the High Court on June 17, 2024, asked state government to obtain the IIT Mandi study report by June 27, 2024. The study had found industrial contamination of groundwater in the area between 30 and 80 meters below the ground including of geogenic uranium, heavy metals, carcinogenic chemicals etc. and had warned of serious consequences to human health.
Further hearing the matter on June 27, 2024, the High Court directed the SPCB and the Baddi Barotiwala Nalagarh Development Authority to come up with proposals to deal with the groundwater contamination on the next date of hearing on July 16, 2024. Perusing the status report filed by the SPCB, the High Court made the concerned central and state government departments a party. It further directed the Chief Secretary to coordinate with all the parties and also asked IIT Mandi to provide technical expertise to the SPCB.
In Haryana, the High Court in October 2024, upheld the imposition of an environmental compensation (EC) of Rs 157 crore on 24 factories in Barhi industrial area, Sonipat for illegally extracting groundwater. Following this, the NGT instructed the DC Sonipat to issue a speaking order to recover EC from the violating units.
Finding the application missing on intention and purpose, the Kerala High Court in February 2024, cancelled the NOC granted by the Director of the Ground Water Department for constructing a borewell and asked the petitioner to apply afresh. Underscoring the vulnerability of groundwater and emphasizing the need for control, the High Court also stated that the regulations are mandatory and not optional.
In Punjab, hearing a plea challenging the effectiveness of guidelines issued by the PWRDA in Jan 2023, the High Court on Feb 6, 2024, issued notice to Punjab govt and posted the matter for March 14, 2024. The plea highlighted that the draft guidelines initially included provisions on water saving schemes to be implemented in agriculture, which were ultimately excluded from the final guidelines, instead burdening industries with hefty extraction charges without promoting water conservation.
2024: Top Ten Judicial Interventions
1. Contamination not being effectively addressed by CGWA: NGT The NGT on Feb 6, 2024, said the reply filed by the Central Groundwater Authority (CGWA) on the matter was a “very generic response”. “From the report, it appears that no concrete steps have been taken by the CGWA to address the problem,” the tribunal said. The bench said the report of the CGWA should clearly state the places where concrete steps have been taken to address arsenic and fluoride in groundwater or whether alternative drinking water is being provided to the people. The NGT observed that despite these elements having a very bad effect on the human body, the CGWA has not installed arsenic and fluoride removal plants in these areas. Next hearing on April 26, 2024. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/water/groundwater-contamination-due-to-arsenic-fluoride-not-being-effectively-addressed-ngt-94628 (23 Feb 2024) The NGT, through an order on Feb 15 has given CGWA and states 6 weeks to file reports about status and solutions of Fluoride, Arsenic and other metallic pollution in groundwater. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/groundwater-toxins-ngt-sets-six-week-deadline-for-cgwa-and-states/amp_articleshow/107897404.cms (22 Feb 2024)
File report with steps taken to curb GW pollution: NGT The NGT directed the CGWA to submit another report, a second one, on “ground-level action” taken to counter arsenic and fluoride contamination across the country. The order came after a report by the central govt stated excess arsenic was detected in groundwater across 230 dists in 25 states, and fluoride in 469 dists across 27 states. In Haryana, groundwater contamination was detected in 20 dists. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/effective-steps-to-curb-groundwater-pollution-cgwa-report/articleshow/108598592.cms (19 March 2024)
2. NGT seeks Central Govt response on arsenic in food The NGT has sought responses from the Union Agriculture and Environment Ministries and the CPCB regarding the presence of arsenic in food, particularly rice. A bench of Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Dr A Senthil Vel initiated the case suo motu based on a Times Now news article titled ‘Arsenic in Food: Should you wash rice before cooking it?’. “The matter relates to the presence of arsenic in rice as warned by experts that can be poisonous for human body. As per the article, arsenic found naturally in soil and water is considered toxic and can be easily washed away by soaking and washing the rice properly,” the order of May 16 recorded. Next hearing on Sep 2. https://www.barandbench.com/news/arsenic-in-rice-ngt-seeks-response-central-government-cpcb (20 May 2024)
W Bengal, Bihar most impacted by arsenic contamination In an order dated Dec 16, the NGT bench noted that the as per reply by the centre, the states of W Bengal & Bihar are reported to be most affected by arsenic contaminated groundwater irrigated crops. It is the major route for arsenic entry into agricultural soil which ultimately leads to its entry into the food chain. There can be a “significant build-up” of the toxic element in rice as it is a water-intensive crop, the reply stated.
The reply also suggested various remedial measures to minimise the effect of arsenic in the soil-plant system. These include replacing water-intensive rice varieties with other less water-intensive crops and relatively arsenic-tolerant rice varieties, growing non-edible and leguminous crops during the dry season in the hotspot areas, application of biochar (modified charcoal produced from burning biomass sources), and increased use of green manures and application of silicate fertilisers. The tribunal then impleaded the ICAR as a respondent and sought its response. Next hearing on April 15. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal-bihar-most-impacted-by-arsenic-contamination-centre-tells-ngt/article69015247.ece (22 Dec. 2024)
3. NGT directs central authority to file report on groundwater depletion NGT has directed the CGWA to file an action taken report on steps being taken to contain depletion of groundwater and sought details for each of the affected states. The authority would indicate the ground-level preservation action plans, infrastructure facilities to be created, timelines for implementation and completion of these plans, enforcement and monitoring mechanisms within three months, directed the tribunal during its hearing after taking suo motu notice of a news item, “UN predicts groundwater level in India will reduce to ‘low’ by 2025”, that appeared in Oct 2023, on Sept 12. Its detailed order was uploaded on Sept 24.
The tribunal has demanded information with regard to the directions issued to various state govts and UTs directing them to enforce and monitor the groundwater withdrawals and an action taken report on the illegal borewells as it was stated that till date no directions under Environment Protection Act (EPA) 1986, have been issued by the authority.
During the hearing, the central authority apprised the tribunal about the proposed actions to be taken in future as it has initiated strengthening of groundwater monitoring network and automation of groundwater level monitoring by equipping these monitoring stations with Digital Water Level Recorders with telemetry systems. Under National Hydrology Project (NHP), the authority has claimed to have installed nearly 5,000 recorders with telemetry system. The has adjourned the matter to Jan 7, 2025. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/ngt-directs-central-authority-to-file-report-on-groundwater-depletion/articleshow/113718305.cms (27 Sept. 2024)
4. CRICKET: NGT grants last chance to 13 stadiums to respond on GW use The NGT on May 3 granted a final opportunity to 13 cricket stadiums across the country to respond to its earlier notices on a plea against use of groundwater without considering alternative sources like rainwater and STP treated water. The bench noted that out of the 22 stadiums impleaded, only 9 had filed responses. In an April 2021 order, it had directed the Secretary, MoJS to hold a joint meeting with the nominees of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (not below the rank of Joint Secretary) and representatives of the BCCI and the CPCB to consider the issue of regulating extraction of ground water for maintenance of cricket grounds. Counsel for the applicant informed the Tribunal that these directions were not complied with and cricket stadiums were using groundwater without the requisite no objection certificate (NOC). Further, he submitted that the stadiums had not set up rain water harvesting systems and had not explored the possibility of utilising STP treated water.
The Tribunal had in 2023 issued notices to the concerned stadiums and called for reports that had not yet been submitted. Accordingly, as a final opportunity, it granted three weeks to the stadiums to file their responses. Counsel for one of the stadiums also informed the NGT that its application for grant of NOC to the concerned state ground water authority had been pending for nine months. The NGT took note and directed that all the applications by stadiums pending before the concerned authorities will be decided expeditiously. Further hearing on Aug 13. https://www.barandbench.com/news/ngt-grants-last-chance-to-13-cricket-stadiums-to-respond-on-this-issue (04 May 2024)
No NOC for groundwater extraction with Jaipur, Raipur cricket stadia In a report dated Nov 20, the CGWA noted it had informed the green body that the BCCI provided a list of 26 stadia, of which 14 were regulated by the CGWA and the remaining by the SGWA. Among the 14 stadia, Barabati Cricket Stadium in Cuttack, Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur and Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, in Raipur hadn’t applied for the NOCs. Regarding the present status of NOCs, it said the Barabati Stadium was issued the certificate on Nov 13. But the Jaipur and Raipur stadia did not apply for NOCs, it said.
“Despite repeated reminders through letters and emails, the Rajasthan Cricket Association has not applied for NOC for the extraction of groundwater by Sawai Mansingh Cricket Stadium,” the report said. It said the CGWA of the western region requested the district collector or district magistrate of Jaipur to take action against the stadium but “despite repeated reminders” no action was taken and on Nov 11, the authority directed the DC to seal the stadium’s borewells and submit an action taken report by November 16.
Similarly, the director of the sports and youth welfare department did not apply for the NOC regarding the use of ground water by the Raipur stadium, nor did the DC take any action, following which the CGWA issued directions for sealing the stadium’s borewells. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/no-noc-for-groundwater-extraction-with-jaipur-raipur-cricket-stadia-report-to-ngt-101732874843843.html (29 Nov. 2024)
NGT directs CGWA to set guidelines for water use by cricket stadiums In an order of Nov 26, a bench of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash directed the CGWA to “file the guidelines in respect of the use of water by the cricket stadium or similar other set-ups and the judgment of the Supreme Court/tribunal passed in this regard.” The tribunal further directed the authority to compile and tabulate the information provided by the stadia, specifically including the status of borewells, the extent of groundwater withdrawal, permission for the borewell, the status of use of STP-treated water and the status of installed RWHS. The CGWA was also directed to provide information regarding whether it had imposed any environmental compensation on the stadia, the tribunal said. Next hearing on Mar 19. https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/ngt-directs-cgwa-to-set-guidelines-for-water-use-by-cricket-stadiums-124121301159_1.html (13 Dec. 2024)
5. Himachal Pradesh Obtain IIT report on polluted groundwater: HC The HP High Court on June 17 directed a Deputy Advocate General of the state to obtain the report from the IIT-Mandi regarding groundwater pollution in the Baddi-Barotiwala industrial area of Solan by June 27. The high court passed the order while hearing a PIL highlighting pollution-related problems in in the industrial belt of Solan. Recently, a research team of the IIT-Mandi had found cancer-causing pollutants in the groundwater of the Baddi-Barotiwala industrial area. A study by the IIT team revealed significant health risks by contaminated groundwater due to geogenic uranium and industrial pollutants such as zinc, lead, cobalt, nickel and chromium. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/obtain-iit-report-on-polluted-groundwater-high-court-orders-state-631879 (18 June 2024)
HC questions PCB over plan to check GW pollution in Baddi The High Court has asked the State Pollution Control Board (PCB) what action it proposes to take to deal with the alarming groundwater pollution in the Baddi-Barotiwala industrial area. A Division Bench of Chief Justice MS Ramachandra Rao and Justice Satyen Vaidya passed the order after perusing the report of the IIT-Mandi.
The counsel for the state government placed on record the report of the IIT-Mandi indicating the level of groundwater pollution at Baddi at depths between 30 m & 80 m below the ground. Next hearing on Jul 16. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/high-court-questions-pcb-over-plan-to-check-underground-water-pollution-in-baddi-635334 (30 Jun 2024)
Groundwater pollution: HC seeks action plan from SPCB During the hearing on April 24, the attention of court was drawn to a state govt order issued on Oct 27, 2010 for scientific collection and disposal of sewerage and industrial effluents and wastes in Baddi, Barotiwala and Nalagarh areas of Solan district. On this, the court had directed the respondents to file a status report on the implementation of this govt order on the next hearing. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/hc-seeks-action-plan-from-hp-pollution-control-board-for-groundwater-pollution-in-baddi/articleshow/111327299.cms (28 June 2024)
Baddi GW pollution: HC makes SPCB party in PIL The HP High Court has impleaded Regional Director, CGWB, State Ground Water Authority and CPCB, Hydrological Department, I&PH and Secretary, Department of Environment, as party respondents in the PIL pertaining to issue of groundwater pollution in Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh.
A division Bench passed this order after perusing the status report filed by the SPCB wherein it has suggested that to combat the problem of ground water contamination it is desirable to implead them as party in this PIL. While impleading them as party, the court further directed the Chief Secretary to coordinate with the said parties. It directed him to request the IIT Mandi to provide expertise to the SPCB. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/baddi-groundwater-high-court-makes-pollution-board-party-in-pil-640888 (18 July 2024)
6. Haryana HC upholds ₹157cr fine on 24 units flouting pollution rules Punjab and Haryana high court has upheld imposition of an environmental compensation (EC) of Rs 157 crore on 24 factories in Sonipat. The fine was imposed on the units for violating environmental norms and illegally extracting groundwater. Haryana Water Resources Authority (HWRA) had imposed the EC in Jan, following a directive from NGT in response to a plea by Delhi-based activist Varun Gulati.
The affected units challenged the notices in court, but the HC dismissed their petitions, saying that the issuance of show-cause notices adhered to the principles of natural justice. The court instructed the competent authority to pass speaking orders — explaining the reason for the fine and why it was imposed — within one month after granting a hearing to the notices. It said no coercive actions would be taken against the petitioners during this period. The court refrained from commenting on the merits of the cases. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/punjab-and-haryana-hc-upholds-massive-rs157-crore-fine-on-24-factories-for-groundwater-violations/articleshow/114438375.cms (22 Oct. 2024)
NGT directs DC to issue speaking order for Barhi units NGT has instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Sonepat to issue a speaking order to recover EC from industries in Barhi accused of violating pollution norms and illegally extracting groundwater. This directive comes after the Punjab and Haryana High Court recently dismissed a petition from 24 industrialists. The SPCB had initially imposed an EC of Rs 157 crore on 24 industries in the HSIIDC industrial zone for pollution violations, prompting the industrialists to approach the high court. Following a complaint, the NGT asked the HSPCB to submit a report. After review, the Deputy Commissioner reduced the EC from Rs 96 crore to Rs 24 lakh, leading the complainant to file an execution application with the NGT against the reduction.
In response, the NGT deemed the Deputy Commissioner’s decision unjustified and ordered restoration and recalculation of the EC based on norms established on Nov 29, 2022. Consequently, the EC was recalculated, increasing it from Rs 96 cr to Rs 157.19 cr, & show-cause notices were served on the industries. The industrialists then appealed to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which disposed of their petition. Following the high court’s ruling, the NGT directed compliance with its order of Nov 29, 2022. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/ngt-directs-sonepat-dc-to-issue-speaking-order-for-barhi-units/ (31 Oct. 2024)
7. Kerala HC calls for sustainable regulations The High Court has underscored the vulnerability of groundwater and emphasized the need for regulations that prioritize rationality, control, safety, sustainability, and concern for future generations. Justice Devan Ramachandran highlighted that uncontrolled usage of groundwater, despite its replenishable nature, can have adverse effects on ecosystems, making stringent regulations imperative.
In a specific case, the petitioner challenged conditions imposed by the Director of the Ground Water Department for constructing a bore well. The petitioner had obtained a No Objection Certificate for extracting groundwater for domestic purposes but faced challenges from a resident association. The court emphasized the importance of disclosing the nature of construction and clarified that the NOC could not be granted without such details. The Court quashed the Director’s order and allowed the petitioner to submit a fresh application with all relevant details for consideration based on statutory prescriptions and applicable rules. https://www.lawinsider.in/news/kerala-high-court-emphasizes-on-groundwater-vulnerability-calls-for-sustainable-regulations ; https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/kerala-high-court/kerala-high-court-kerala-hc-ground-water-ecosystem-focus-rationality-control-safety-sustainability-future-generations-248513 (05 Feb. 2024)
The Petitioner argued that he had obtained NOC from the District Officer before the construction work of the borewell for domestic use. In that area, the residence association filed an appeal challenging the NOC. The RWA argued that the maximum water extraction due to the construction of bore wells is not mentioned by the petitioner. The Court stated that the regulations are mandatory not optional. Justice Devan Ramachandran held that the NOC is invalid because the intention and purpose for the construction of the borewell is not mentioned and notified by the petitioner. https://www.waterlabindia.com/post/kerala-high-court-the-court-identifies-that-the-groundwater-is-at-risk-and-makes-regulations-for-th (05 Feb. 2024)
8. Punjab HC issues notice on PIL challenging guidelines on GW extraction The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Feb 6 issued notice to Punjab govt on a PIL petition challenging guidelines issued in Jan 2023 on the extraction and conservation of groundwater in Punjab. A bench of Acting Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Lapita Banerjee issued notice and listed the matter for hearing next on March 14. Lawyer Dhruv Chawla filed the petition challenging the effectiveness of the Punjab Groundwater Extraction and Conservation Directions of 2023, stating they fail to conserve water and violate the Punjab Water Resources Management and Regulation Act.
The Punjab Water Regulation & Development Authority (PWRDA) had initially issued draft guidelines in 2020. After considering public objections, it issued the final guidelines earlier this year, which have now been challenged by Lawyer Dhruv Chawla. His plea highlighted that the draft guidelines initially included provisions on water saving schemes to be implemented in agriculture, which were ultimately excluded from the final guidelines, instead burdening industries with hefty extraction charges without promoting water conservation. Chawla emphasized agriculture as the primary contributor to groundwater depletion, which the guidelines inadequately address. Accordingly, he has urged the Court to either withdraw or amend the guidelines to effectively tackle groundwater depletion, incorporating provisions for water conservation in agriculture and to conduct a comprehensive study on the issue. https://www.barandbench.com/news/punjab-and-haryana-high-court-issues-notice-punjab-pil-challenging-guidelines-groundwater-extraction (09 Feb. 2024)
9. Rajasthan NGT directs action on illegal groundwater extraction The NGT has issued directives to the chief secretary, instructing district magistrates across the state to take immediate action against illegal groundwater extraction. “District magistrates have been mandated to ensure that all groundwater extraction units operate with a valid NOC from the CGWA. Any unit found extracting groundwater without such authorisation must be shut down immediately, with illegal wells sealed and electricity disconnected,” the order stated. The chief secretary has been instructed to communicate these directives to district magistrates in key districts, including Bikaner, Alwar, Udaipur, and Barmer. The tribunal has also ordered authorities to submit a follow-up report within a month. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/ngt-directs-action-on-illegal-groundwater-extraction-in-rajasthan/articleshow/113567096.cms (22 Sept. 2024)
10. Madhya Pradesh NGT seeks response of SPCB on GW pollution The principal bench of NGT has sought response from SPCB and other authorities on report alleging dangerous polluted red colour water coming out from hand-pumps and borewells of Industrial area in Indore. According to a newspaper report in June 2023 SPCB had carried out sampling at Kumedi, Bardari, Dhankhedi, Shakkarkhedi, Niranjanpur along with 53 locations in an area of 20 km for one year and prepared a report of total 636 samples where 3 lakh people are living. It was reported that there are 400 industries mainly electroplating, chemical, confectionary and Pharma units using acid in large quantities responsible for polluted water, out of them action has been taken only on 7 industries, the Tribunal noted. Next hearing on Sep 30. https://www.livelaw.in/environment/ngt-seeks-response-of-mp-pollution-board-ground-water-authority-dangerous-red-water-coming-from-handpumps-267548 (23 Aug. 2024) Further investigations revealed the discharge of wastewater into the Narwar and Bhaurasala drains and the Kanh River. The contaminated water has reportedly caused a range of health issues among the local population, which includes around 300,000 residents. Symptoms such as allergies, hair loss, and bone, dental, and intestinal diseases have been linked to the polluted water. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Aug/27/ngt-takes-note-of-red-water-from-borewells-in-indore-industrial-area (27 Aug. 2024)
Some More Relevant Reports
Punjab Study groundwater for toxic elements: HC The directive came amid concerns over uranium contamination in Doaba and Majha areas, with the court on a previous hearing emphasising that the testing must adhere to updated WHO standards. The court also instructed the Centre to evaluate the reports and suggest solution to the “problem being faced by the citizens of Punjab as regards traces of uranium found in the groundwater in various districts of the state”. The court, on a previous hearing, had ordered comprehensive re-testing of water samples for uranium contamination in Punjab’s Doaba and Majha regions, following discrepancies in previous test standards.
Taking up the petition filed in 2010 against the Union of India and other respondents by Brijender Singh Loomba, the Bench had taken note of an affidavit filed on behalf of the Guru Hargobind Thermal Plant Chief Engineer stating that 11 samples, out of 4,406 tested, were found to be “infected” in districts such as Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Amritsar. The tests were based on the standards of “60 parts per billion (PPB)” recognised by the atomic energy regulatory body. A report by Punjab’s Department of Local Government said three samples were found to be “infected with traces of uranium” out of 269 tested in Doaba and Majha regions. The standard applied for testing was 30 µg/l. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/study-groundwater-for-toxic-elements-hc-tells-state-govt/ (18 Jan. 2025)
Punjab Water contamination: NGT wants health check-ups The tribunal has taken cognisance of a news report published in The Times of India, which highlighted the issue of groundwater pollution in Punjab caused by agricultural run-off. The report, titled ‘Agricultural run-off causing groundwater pollution in Punjab, making drinking water unsafe’, prompted the tribunal to take suo motu notice of the matter. The chief secretary has also been asked to ensure that groundwater monitoring is carried out adequately in all the districts.
The state govt, in its response, acknowledged the presence of contaminants such as nitrate, fluoride, heavy metals, radioactive elements, including uranium, in the southern and southwestern regions of the state. These pollutants have been found in significant quantities, exceeding the permissible limits, as reported by various agencies. However, the govt maintains that there are no reports indicating groundwater contamination caused by agricultural run-off, specifically pollution from pesticides and fertilisers. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/ngt-directs-punjab-govt-for-health-check-ups-in-areas-with-polluted-groundwater/articleshow/110648293.cms (03 June 2024)
GW pollution in Sangrur: NGT raps SPCB The principal bench of NGT has summoned the Director, NEERI and MS, SPCB to explain the delay in filing the status report and what immediate measures can be taken to resolve the problem of groundwater contamination in Sangrur. https://www.livelaw.in/environment/ngt-ground-water-contamination-raps-punjab-pcb-neeri-for-its-failuretake-immediate-measures-in-sangrur-says-problem-so-serious-summons-top-officials-251208 (04 March 2024)
Complied by Bhim Singh Rawat (bhim.sandrp@gmail.com)
SANDRP 