National Desk, 27th December: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on December 27th, 2023 addressed the pressing issue of groundwater contamination by issuing notices to 24 states and four Union Territories. This proactive measure comes in response to alarming reports indicating the presence of arsenic and fluoride in groundwater, posing severe health risks.
The NGT’s bench, headed by Judicial Member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and Expert Member A Senthil Vel, emphasized the gravity of the situation, deeming it “very serious” and requiring “urgent preventive and protective steps.” The tribunal took suo motu cognizance based on media reports highlighting the exceedance of permissible limits of these contaminants in various regions.
Arsenic was identified in parts of 230 districts across 25 states, while fluoride was detected in specific areas of 469 districts in 27 states. The NGT criticized the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) for its lack of independent action, attributing it to water being a state subject. However, this stance contradicted both a 1997 Supreme Court verdict and a 2022 tribunal order.
Expressing surprise and disappointment at the CGWA’s reluctance to fulfill its statutory responsibilities, the NGT underscored the immediate need for action from all relevant authorities. Notices were sent to states like Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Union Territories including Jammu and Kashmir, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Delhi, and Puducherry.
The NGT has scheduled further proceedings for February 15th, seeking responses from the notified states and Union Territories within a month. This decisive move by the NGT emphasizes the urgency of addressing groundwater contamination and safeguarding public health nationwide.