The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed serious concern over allegations of contaminated drinking water in Jabalpur and criticised the district administration and Municipal Corporation for failing to act despite earlier directions. The tribunal has ordered a joint site inspection by the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) along with district and civic officials, directing them to submit a detailed report within two weeks.

The matter came up before the tribunal after it took cognisance of a media report highlighting drinking water pipelines passing through open drains and residents receiving foul-smelling, contaminated water in parts of the city.

NGT Questions Administrative Inaction

During the hearing, the NGT observed that despite its previous directions, the concerned authorities had not conducted a field inspection. The tribunal noted that the nodal committee informed it that the inspection could not be completed because of a lack of cooperation from the district administration and the Municipal Corporation.

The nodal committee, constituted by the NGT in April 2026, includes Jabalpur Collector Raghavendra Singh, Municipal Commissioner Ram Prakash Ahirwar, and MPPCB Regional Officer K.P. Soni.

Expressing displeasure over the delay, the tribunal directed all concerned agencies to coordinate and complete the inspection without further delay.

Petition Alleges Widespread Water Contamination

According to the petitioners, nearly 80% of Jabalpur's drinking water pipelines pass through drainage channels, increasing the risk of contamination. They further claimed that 47% of the city's water is not fit for drinking, raising serious public health concerns.

These allegations prompted the tribunal to seek a comprehensive report on the condition of the water supply infrastructure and measures being taken to address the issue.

Report Was Not Submitted on Time

The petition was filed in March 2026 by Dr. P.G. Najpande and Rajat Bhargava of the Nagrik Upbhokta Manch. In April, the NGT had directed the Municipal Corporation and district administration to submit a report within one month.

However, the authorities failed to meet the deadline.

During a subsequent hearing on July 10, the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board informed the tribunal that the joint inspection had not taken place due to non-cooperation from the civic body and district administration.

Aging Pipelines Raise Safety Concerns

Appearing for the petitioners, advocate Prabhat Yadav argued that much of Jabalpur's drinking water network comprises 40 to 50-year-old pipelines, many of which are damaged or deteriorating.

He submitted that no detailed project report (DPR) or comprehensive plan has been prepared to replace or repair the ageing infrastructure, despite repeated complaints regarding contaminated water supply.

Tribunal Directs Immediate Action

The bench, comprising Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and expert member Sudhir Kumar, termed the lack of coordination among government departments a serious matter.

The tribunal instructed the NGT Registrar to immediately write to the Jabalpur Collector and Municipal Commissioner, directing them to ensure full cooperation with the Pollution Control Board during the inspection process.

Issue Came to Light After Residents Complained

The matter gained attention after residents of Rajiv Gandhi Ward complained of black-coloured, foul-smelling water flowing from household taps. Locals alleged that leaking drinking water pipelines passing through drains were allowing sewage to mix with potable water, posing a significant health risk.

The NGT's latest intervention is expected to accelerate the investigation and determine the extent of contamination as well as the corrective measures required to safeguard public health.