NGT Orders Probe into Toxic Waste Discharge from Chhatarpur Brewery

• 22 Oct 2025

Why in News? 

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated suo motu proceedings against a brewery in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, over grave allegations of environmental damage and public health risks caused by its discharge of toxic wastewater. 

Key Points 

• Environmental Contamination: The brewery's chemical waste has polluted water sources within a 1 km radius and caused a foul stench affecting a dozen villages up to 5 km away. 
• Severe Health Impact: Local residents are reporting serious health issues, including headaches, eye irritation, breathing difficulties, and vomiting, with long-term risks of kidney disease and other serious health problems due to contaminated water and air. 
• NGT's Judicial Response: An NGT bench has formed a joint committee comprising the Chhatarpur District Collector and the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) to investigate and submit an action-taken report within six weeks. 

National Green Tribunal 

• Origin: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established under the NGT Act, 2010 to adjudicate environmental cases and ensure effective and speedy disposal of disputes related to environmental protection and conservation. 
• Powers: The Tribunal has the powers of a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. However, it is not bound by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 or the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, and functions based on the Principles of Natural Justice. 
• Members: The members of the NGT hold office for a term of five years/until age of 65 and are not eligible for re-appointment. 
• Eligibility: The Chairperson of the NGT must be a Judge of the Supreme Court or a Chief Justice of a High Court.