The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo moto cognizance of a news article highlighting the presence of “forever chemicals” in Chennai’s drinking water.
The article, published on April 7, 2024, revealed that a study conducted by IIT Madras found high levels of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Buckingham Canal, Adyar river, and Chembarambakkam lake in Chennai.
The NGT considered the matter serious, as PFAS are known to have adverse health effects, including liver damage, low infant birth weights, hormonal imbalance, fertility issues, immune system effects, and even cancer.
The tribunal impleaded the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, and the Collector/District Magistrate of Chennai as respondents.
In its reply, the CPCB admitted that the concentrations of PFAS in drinking water samples have increased over time and that there is a need to adopt standard methods for sampling and analysis.
The CPCB also stated that the Bureau of Indian Standards has not provided any standards for PFAS in drinking water.
The Principal Bench, comprising Justice Sudhir Agarwal , Judicial Member, and Dr. A. Senthil Vel, Expert Member, directed the CPCB to prescribe standards for PFAS in drinking water and to take steps for standardization.
The tribunal also impleaded the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board as respondents.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on April 29, 2025.
The post NGT takes suo motu cognizance of chemicals in Chennai’s drinking water appeared first on India Legal.