NGT Adds Delhi Government and DPCC to Uranium Groundwater Case
The move follows a national groundwater survey that found uranium and other contaminants above drinking‑water limits in multiple Delhi samples, signaling the tribunal will press local authorities for monitoring and mitigation.
Overview
- The National Green Tribunal expanded its suo motu proceeding on Friday by impleading the Delhi Pollution Control Committee and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi and directing the Registry to issue notices to both parties.
- The tribunal took judicial notice of the Central Ground Water Board’s Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2025, which analysed about 15,000 samples nationwide and found 24 of 83 Delhi groundwater samples exceeded the prescribed uranium limit while several sites also breached BIS limits for nitrate and fluoride.
- Counsel for the Central Ground Water Commission told the NGT that the technical and administrative response is under consideration in the Ministry and requested six weeks to file a formal reply, leaving an official government response pending.
- The suo motu case began after a news report on uranium detected in breast milk in six districts of Bihar and the NGT recalled its December 20, 2022 order that urged vigilance where groundwater uranium exceeded safe levels.
- The tribunal has scheduled the next hearing for September 24, 2026, and its orders aim to force regular testing, local mitigation plans and public‑health steps by Delhi authorities while observers watch for the CGWC and Delhi agencies’ formal responses.