Archive · 15 Jan 2026
NGT Declares Water Contamination Emergency in MP
The National Green Tribunal in Bhopal has declared that the drinking water in Madhya Pradesh is contaminated and this is a big problem for people's health.
They found out that dirty water from sewers is mixing with clean drinking water, making people sick and even causing deaths.
The Tribunal has ordered the government and cities to take many steps to fix this problem, like checking water quality all the time, fixing leaky pipes, and making sure water is clean before people drink it.
They also made a team to check the affected areas and report back.
The next hearing about this is on March 30.
The National Green Tribunal in Bhopal declared water contamination in Madhya Pradesh a public health emergency.
Sewage intrusion into water pipelines has caused widespread illness and deaths, particularly in Indore.
The Tribunal ordered statewide guidelines and measures to ensure safe drinking water, including a 24×7 water monitoring app and compulsory chlorination.
A joint committee was formed to inspect affected sites and submit a report within six weeks.
The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for March 30.
- Who
- National Green Tribunal, Bhopal
- What
- Declared water contamination a public health emergency and issued directives for statewide action
- When
- Following a petition by Rashid Noor Khan and media reports
- Where
- Madhya Pradesh, particularly Indore and other urban centers
- Why
- Due to sewage intrusion into water pipelines, causing widespread illness and deaths
- Organization Issuing Notice
- National Green Tribunal, Bhopal
- Petitioner
- Rashid Noor Khan
- Affected Areas
- Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior, Ujjain, Rewa, Satna, Khargone
- Contaminants Found
- Faecal coliform, E. coli, Vibrio species, Vibrio cholerae
- Annual Deaths in India
- 200,000 due to contaminated drinking water
- Waterborne Diseases Reported
- 200 million cases between 2005 and 2022
- Key Measures Ordered
- 24×7 water monitoring app, elimination of leakages, groundwater recharge, rainwater harvesting, compulsory chlorination, universal metering, ban on idol immersion in water bodies, relocation of dairies, regular cleaning of tanks and pumps, strict adherence to chlorination protocols
- Committee Formation
- Joint committee to inspect affected sites and submit a report within six weeks
- Next Hearing Date
- March 30
Sources
NGT issues notice to DG forests, others over allegations of 15 lakh tree felling in MP
Why Andhra Pradesh High Court wants ‘resources to be preserved for future generations’ in India
Water Contamination A Public Health Emergency: Bhopal Green Tribunal
Indore water contamination: MP govt’s status report in HC cites seven deaths; no disease disclosed