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Heavy Metal Water Contamination in Kanpur: NGT Actions and Developments
Heavy metal contamination, mainly chromium and mercury, in water sources of Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, and Fatehpur districts due to industrial pollution, particularly tanneries. NGT has issued multiple directives for mapping, health surveys, and medical treatment details.
Why It Matters
Affects health and livelihoods of thousands; highlights industrial pollution impacting Ganga river and groundwater.
Timeline
5 Events
NGT seeks medical treatment details
February 3, 2026
NGT directs UP government to disclose medical treatment details for affected persons within six weeks; next hearing on April 7; notes 492 high chromium samples in Kanpur Nagar out of 514 tested till October 2025[1].
Action taken report by Kanpur DM
February 2, 2026
District Magistrate Kanpur Nagar submits report on chromium dumps, groundwater contamination, and health issues in compliance with NGT order; notes high chromium in samples[4].
NGT directs mapping of contamination
November 12, 2025
NGT orders UP government to submit timeline within two weeks for mapping heavy metal spread in Kanpur districts, details on affected persons and medical facilities[2].
NGT hearing on industrial pollution
November 25, 2025
NGT reviews case on water contamination from tanneries in Jajmau and other areas; compliance reports submitted[3][4].
Blood sample collection begins
January 2020
Health department starts collecting blood samples from residents in Rakhi Mandi, Rania, Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, and Fatehpur for heavy metal testing[1][2][5].