Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Rajat Verma Vs Member Secretary, Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board & Others dated 07/03/2025.

The matter related to chromium dumps at Rania, Kanpur Dehat, Rakhi Mandi, Kanpur Nagar and Fatehpur.

Amicus Curiae in the earlier proceedings had pointed out that not only the issue of chromium dump is involved, but mercury, fluoride and iron has also been found in the groundwater. Amicus had visited the affected site and had submitted the report disclosing the pathetic condition therein.

On January 22, 2025, Amicus was permitted to give suggestions for consideration to the state authorities for immediate remedial action. The suggestions were handed over to the Additional Advocate General (AAG) for the state of Uttar Pradesh.

The recommendations included installation of RO-NF water plants within two months. Another recommendation included blood sampling / survey by government in the affected areas of Kanpur Nagar / Dehat / Fatehpur for heavy metal analysis which includes chromium, mercury and fluoride. The timeline given is 1-2 months. Report also included action plans with timeline, ground level policy issues and and survey / mapping.

The NGT, March 7, 2025 noted that even though the Uttar Pradesh government had shown its agreement with the timelines issued by the Amicus Curiea but no progress report as directed by the tribunal has been filed till date. Counsel appearing for the state has sought adjournment on the ground that the Secretary, Environment has sought four weeks further time to comply with the Tribunal’s order dated January 30, 2025. The court expressed its displeasure and questioned why the time already given was not sufficient to comply with the directions.

"This kind of negligence on the part of the Secretary, Environment is neither appreciable nor can be accepted and we condemn it in the strongest terms," the bench of Justice Sudhir Agarwal said. As no reply has come from the state of Uttar Pradesh, the court granted time up to March 18, 2025 to comply with the NGT order of January 30, 2025.

The next hearing of the case is slated for March 25, 2025.