The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has noted that sufficient clean drinking water is not being supplied to several areas affected by chromium contamination in Uttar Pradesh and directed the government to ensure its adequate supply. 

The Principal Bench of the NGT, comprising Chairperson Prakash Shrivastava, Judicial Member Sudhir Agarwal and Expert Member A. Senthil Vel, was hearing a matter on chromium contamination in Rania, Kanpur Dehat, Rakhi Mandi, Kanpur Nagar and Fatehpur of Uttar Pradesh.

“On examination of the details disclosed in respect of the railway colony at Afeem Kothi, where settlement of 5,000 people is disclosed, we find that supply of water from 10-11 tankers is only 50 kld (kilolitres per day) which is far less than the requirement considering even the conservative consumption norms. Same is the position in respect of other areas also. Reply discloses the scheme which will be completed for supply of surface water in those areas but immediate concern is forthcoming summer season when adequate supply of water is essential for survival,” the NGT said in an order dated April 8. 

The green court also said that regarding the recommendation by the amicus curiae in the case to install RO-NF water plants for clean water access in Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, and Fatehpur, the response of the Principal Secretary of Environment Department revealed that adequate measures for water for drinking and other purposes were not made available by the government.