The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on October 17, 2025 registered a suo motu original application on a news report alleging pharmaceutical effluent discharge into Nalla Cheruvu at Dommadugu village, Gummadidala mandal, Sangareddy district, Telangana. The order recorded possible violation of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, impleaded CPCB, the Sangareddy District Collector and the Telangana State Pollution Control Board, and directed the respondents to file replies before transfer to the Southern Zonal Bench. In a separate nitrate matter heard the same day, NGT noted CGWB's reply that 15,259 groundwater monitoring locations were sampled nationwide in 2023 and about 19.8% of samples exceeded the permissible nitrate limit. CGWB/WHO/BIS refer to 45 mg/L as the permissible nitrate limit. Rajasthan remains among affected states, with CGWB reporting nitrate exceedance in districts including Barmer, Jalore, Nagaur and Bikaner. The correct takeaway is that NGT sought replies and further study/reporting; the October 17 order did not mandate Zero Liquid Discharge for pharma units within 500 metres of water bodies or order CPCB to submit a national action plan within 8 weeks.
NGT Seeks Replies on Pharmaceutical Effluent Case; CGWB Reports Nitrate Exceedances in Groundwater
NGT registered a suo motu case on pharmaceutical effluent discharge at Nalla Cheruvu and issued notices to CPCB, the Sangareddy District Collector and the Telangana State Pollution Control Board for replies. In a separate nitrate matter, it noted CGWB's reply that 19.8% of 15,259 groundwater samples exceeded nitrate limits.
Key facts
- NGT issued order on Oct 17, 2025 directing action against pharmaceutical effluent discharge into water bodies
- CGWB report found nitrate levels exceeding 45 mg/litre BIS limit in 25+ states including Rajasthan districts Barmer, Jalore, Nagaur, Bikaner
- Pharmaceutical clusters in Patancheru (Hyderabad), Ahmedabad, Haridwar, and Baddi identified as major polluters
- In OA 538/2025, NGT issued notice to CPCB, the Sangareddy District Collector and Telangana State PCB to file replies
- Nitrate contamination causes methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome) in infants and thyroid disruption in adults
- Order reinforces 'polluter pays' principle under Environment Protection Act 1986
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Appears in these topics
Source: NGT/Down to Earth/CGWB
Frequently asked questions
What is the permissible limit of nitrate in drinking water as per BIS standards?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) sets a permissible limit of 45 mg/litre for nitrate in drinking water. Levels above this can cause health problems including blue baby syndrome in infants.
What is Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) and why did NGT mandate it?
Zero Liquid Discharge is a wastewater-recycling approach, but the October 17, 2025 NGT pharma-effluent order did not mandate ZLD. It issued notices to CPCB, the Sangareddy District Collector and Telangana State PCB and sought replies.
Which Rajasthan districts face severe nitrate contamination?
Barmer, Jalore, Nagaur, and Bikaner districts in Rajasthan have reported nitrate levels 2-3 times the safe BIS limit of 45 mg/litre, posing severe public health risks.
What is the 'polluter pays' principle referenced in the NGT order?
Under the Environment Protection Act 1986, the 'polluter pays' principle holds that those who cause environmental damage bear the financial cost of remediation. NGT invoked this in the context of pharmaceutical effluent and groundwater contamination.
What health condition does nitrate contamination cause in infants?
Methemoglobinemia, also called 'blue baby syndrome,' is caused by excessive nitrate intake. Nitrates reduce blood's ability to carry oxygen, turning infants' skin bluish and potentially causing death if untreated.
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