NGT Issues Notices for Excess Arsenic and Fluoride in Groundwater

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sent notifications to 24 states and four union territories about arsenic and fluoride levels in groundwater. The Central Ground Water Authority stated that fluoride and arsenic were present in the groundwater of the states and districts. It said the Central Ground Water Authority didn't act autonomously since water is a state issue. The subject is scheduled to be heard again on 15 February. 

The NGT issued notifications and demanded responses within a month. Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and other states are on the list of states that have received notices. Notices were also sent to Union Territories, including Puducherry and Delhi, in the meantime. On 15 February 2024, the tribunal set up additional proceedings to address the issue of arsenic and fluoride in groundwater. 

Arsenic 

• Arsenic enters groundwater by seepage from industrial and mine wastes, as well as thermal power plant fly ash ponds. 
• It is an extremely harmful pollution, and long-term exposure to it can result in black foot illness. 
• Other ailments caused by arsenic-contaminated water include skin, lung, and diarrheal cancers. 

Fluoride

• Excess of Fluoride in water causes a variety of major health problems, such as fluorosis, gastrointestinal problems, teeth deformities, and knock-knee syndrome. 

National Green Tribunal (NGT)

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a specialised body established by the National Green Tribunal Act (2010).
• NGT is required to complete the processing of applications or appeals within six months of the submission of the same.
• The NGT meets in five locations: its principal location is in New Delhi, while the other four are in Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai.
• The NGT is made up of the Chairperson, Judicial Members, and Expert Members. 
• The Central Government appoints the NGT Chairperson after consulting with the Chief Justice of India (CJI). 
• They are not eligible for reappointment after serving a five-year term in office. 
• The Code of Civil Procedure 1908 does not impose any rules on the Tribunal; instead, it will follow the concept of “Natural Justice”.

Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA)

• The government of India created the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) as an Authority on 14 January 1997.
• In order to maintain and protect the nation's groundwater resources, it attempts to control and manage their development. 
• The Authority is in charge of managing and controlling groundwater development and regulation. 
• The Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 gives the CGWA the authority to issue measures as part of its mandate.