NGT Orders Remedial Actions for Groundwater Pollution in Indore Industrial Area

NGT Orders Overhaul of Wastewater Management in Indore Industrial Area to Combat Groundwater Pollution

Bhopal, India - The National Green Tribunal ( NGT ), Central Zone Bench, Bhopal, has taken decisive action to address severe groundwater contamination in the Sanwer Road Industrial area of Indore, Madhya Pradesh. In a suo moto case initiated based on a news report in Dainik Bhaskar , the tribunal issued a comprehensive set of directives aimed at mitigating pollution and ensuring access to clean water for residents.

NGT Takes Suo Moto Cognizance of Groundwater Pollution

Acting on a news item highlighting alarming levels of pollutants in the groundwater of 53 localities along Sanwer Road, the NGT registered an Original Application No. 214/2024. The news report, published on August 13, 2024, revealed the presence of dangerous chemicals in the groundwater, suspected to originate from approximately 400 industries in the area. It further pointed out that despite notices issued to 50 industries, action had been limited to only 7.

The Core Issue: Industrial Effluents and Contaminated Groundwater

The matter before the NGT pertains to the discharge of dangerously polluted, red-colored water from handpumps and borewells in the Sanwer Road industrial area. Investigations revealed high concentrations of sulphate, kjeldahl nitrogen, and magnesium in the groundwater. A report based on 636 samples collected over a year across 53 locations within a 20km radius, indicated Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels ranging from 2000 to 3600 mg/l, far exceeding the permissible limit of 600 mg/l for drinking water. Local residents are reportedly suffering from various ailments, including allergies, hair fall, and bone, teeth, and intestinal diseases, due to consumption of this contaminated water.

Findings of Investigation: TDS Levels and Pollution Sources

The Madhya Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) submitted a detailed factual and action-taken report, confirming the severity of the situation. The Sanwer Road Industrial Area, housing 548 industries – primarily small-scale units in electroplating, chemicals, confectionery, and pharmaceuticals – was identified as the primary source of pollution. Out of 217 water-polluting industries, only 143 have installed Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs), and even then, wastewater discharge into the Narvar and Bhorasala drains, as well as the Kanh River, remains a significant issue. While notices were served to 50 industries, and 7 were sealed, the problem persists.

The report highlighted several critical issues:

Damaged Pipelines: Leakages from damaged pipelines meant to carry industrial wastewater to the Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) contribute significantly to groundwater and nallah pollution.

Untreated Domestic Wastewater: Discharge of untreated domestic sewage from nearby colonies and settlements within the industrial area into the Narvar and Bhorasala Nallahs further exacerbates the pollution.

Inadequate Infrastructure: The Municipal Corporation Indore (IMC) has not completed pipeline laying in all sectors of the industrial area and has failed to establish Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) for domestic wastewater treatment.

NGT 's Directions for Remedial Measures: A Multi-Pronged Approach

Taking a serious view of the situation, the NGT bench, comprising Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sheo Kumar Singh (Judicial Member) and Hon’ble Dr. Vijay Kulkarni (Expert Member), directed a series of immediate and long-term remedial measures.

Immediate Actions for Industries and Municipal Corporation

The tribunal emphasized the following immediate steps:

Mandatory Effluent Treatment: "All water polluting industries shall ensure to treat their effluent within premises and sent to CETP for further treatment."

Pipeline Completion and Upgrade : "IMC shall complete the laying of pipeline for conveyance of wastewater to CETP at the earliest and ensure that whole quantity of wastewater from industries be treated properly. Pipeline capacity should also be increased to cater whole quantity of wastewater and to prevent any leakages and seepage."

Long-Term Solutions: CETPs , STPs, and Infrastructure Upgrade s

For a sustainable solution, the NGT mandated:

CETP Upgrade to ZLD: "The IMC should upgrade CETP by installing ZLD system comprised of Reverse Osmosis (RO), Multi Effect Evaporator (MEE) and Agitated Thin Film Dryer (ATFD) and ensure treated effluent to reuse/recycle by the industries in cooling, boilers, washing, plantation etc." This aims for Zero Liquid Discharge, a crucial step towards minimizing environmental impact.

New CETP near Kumedi: "The IMC should install one more CETP near Kumedi to treat the wastewater generating from industries located in Kumedi and nearby area."

Online Monitoring System : "The IMC should install online app to keep keen vigil on waste water generators & those are sending waste water through tankers." This will enhance transparency and accountability in wastewater management.

Nallah Leak Proofing: "The IMC should explore the possibility of making nallah leak proof in the length of industrial area."

STP Installation: "Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) of adequate capacity should be installed for treatment of waste water reaching to Narvar Nallah , Bhorasala Nallah and Kanh River’."

Rainwater Harvesting: "The IMC shall install rainwater harvesting systems at Kumedi Village.”

Continuous Monitoring and Expert Inspections

The NGT further directed continuous monitoring and periodic expert inspections:

Groundwater Quality Monitoring: "The Integrated Office of the Centre Pollution Control Board at Bhopal and the Member Secretary, State Pollution Control Board shall periodically examine the report of groundwater quality and its parameter for human consumption and to take remedial measures with suggestions from time to time."

Industry Inspections: "The Municipal Corporation/ Collector concerned that by consisting a team of the expert members, the periodic inspections shall be done to examine the industries operating within the area and mainly involved in electroplating, chemical, confectionery and pharma units using acid in large quantities and responsible for polluting the groundwater and discharging untreated water into the water bodies or the open drainage system causing health hazards."

The Tribunal emphasized that these infrastructure projects, including ETPs and CETPs , must be completed within a strict timeframe of one year.

Conclusion: A Step Towards Cleaner Water and Public Health

The NGT 's judgment underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and time-bound action to address groundwater pollution in industrial areas. By mandating infrastructure upgrades, stricter industry compliance, and continuous monitoring, the tribunal has set a course for improving water quality and safeguarding public health in Indore's Sanwer Road Industrial area and surrounding localities. The onus is now on the concerned authorities to implement these directives effectively and restore the precious groundwater resources.