NGT seeks action on Kanpur industrial water pollution

Lucknow: While hearing a batch of matters relating to industrial water pollution in the Kanpur region, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has reiterated the urgency of action as the issue was directly connected with the life and livelihood of affected residents.The matters were heard by principal bench, New Delhi comprising chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Dr A Senthil Vel. In earlier proceedings, the tribunal considered 22 recommendations made by the amicus curiae and warned that failure to adhere to timelines might attract action against officials concerned, including the DMs and senior state authorities. Fresh compliance reports were filed by the DMs concerned and the state of Uttar Pradesh. The tribunal permitted the amicus curiae to examine these reports and prepare a comparative table, indicating whether actions taken were in accordance with prescribed timelines and the progress achieved so far. The NGT also reviewed the role of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). Brijendra Swaroop, executive director (projects), NMCG, said earlier submissions recorded by the tribunal were a result of miscommunication. He assured that the correct and comprehensive stand of NMCG would be placed on record. The amicus curiae drew attention to lists of residents from Rakhi Mandi, Rania, Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, Fatehpur and other districts, whose blood samples indicated the presence of chromium and mercury. Taking serious note of the issue, the tribunal directed the state of Uttar Pradesh to disclose details of medical treatment, facilities and assistance provided to each affected person. The state was granted 6 weeks' time to file a detailed report. The matters are listed for the next hearing on April 7.