NGT directs TNPCB to set timeline for IIT-M’s comprehensive study on pollution issues in Neyveli

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to establish a clear timeline for a comprehensive scientific study being conducted by IIT-Madras on pollution concerns in Neyveli. This directive came during hearings held on August 12, which focused on allegations of environmental degradation linked to Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) India and the potential presence of mercury in local water bodies. The Southern Bench of the NGT, composed of Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member Prashant Gargava, emphasized the need for a structured approach following discrepancies in findings from previous assessments. The tribunal's attention was drawn to two suo motu cases initiated based on media reports highlighting concerns over pollution in the region. During these proceedings, the Bench noted that a technical committee formed by the TNPCB had submitted individual reports, but there were divergent opinions among its members regarding the compilation of a unified, comprehensive report. As a result, the TNPCB opted to delegate the task of conducting the study to IIT-Madras. Despite this decision, the NGT pointed out that the TNPCB had not yet issued the Terms of Reference (ToR) to IIT-Madras nor set a deadline for the completion of the study. Earlier, on July 15, the NGT had documented that the TNPCB's initial sampling and analysis yielded conflicting results. Private laboratories detected levels of mercury and selenium below the threshold of detection in their second round of testing, whereas the TNPCB's own laboratory identified mercury in six out of nineteen surface water samples, with concentrations ranging from 0.01 mg/l to 0.027 mg/l. The tribunal acknowledged that these levels of heavy metals remained within permissible limits according to existing regulations. A high-level technical expert committee visited the affected area in July 2025 and collected four samples for analysis. Each member of the committee submitted separate reports, but they disagreed on whether a consolidated report should be prepared. The committee also indicated that pinpointing the exact origin of contamination proved challenging due to insufficient data. It recommended a more thorough examination of hydrogeological factors, prevailing wind conditions, and activities at nearby industrial sites such as NLC, TAQA, and IL&FS. The NGT has requested the TNPCB to submit a status update detailing the ToR provided to IIT-Madras, the proposed schedule for submitting the study, and any additional pertinent information. The case will be revisited on September 25. The Bench mentioned that upon receiving the final report from IIT-Madras, it might decide whether to conclude the current applications or provide further instructions based on the study's outcomes. The situation highlights ongoing efforts to address environmental concerns in Neyveli through rigorous scientific evaluation. The involvement of IIT-Madras underscores the importance placed on obtaining reliable data to inform regulatory decisions. As the NGT continues to monitor developments, the focus remains on ensuring transparency and accountability in assessing the impact of industrial operations on local ecosystems.