Bombay High Court Orders Investigation into Nagpur's Contaminated Water
The Bombay High Court mandates an expert committee to investigate the sources of contaminated drinking water in Nagpur, following alarming reports of illness among residents.
The High Court has tasked experts with identifying the causes of unsafe drinking water in Nagpur.
Out of 26,671 water samples tested by NMC, 208 were deemed unfit for consumption.
Contamination has been detected in over 50 settlements across nine city zones, affecting approximately 400,000 residents.
The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has ordered the formation of an expert committee to investigate the sources of contaminated drinking water in various areas of the city. This directive was issued during a hearing of a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) prompted by reports of contaminated water, particularly in Mankapur, where around 50 residents experienced health issues.
The issue of water quality in Nagpur has raised significant concerns, as complaints from multiple zones highlighted the inadequacies in the city's water quality monitoring and the reliability of its drinking water supply. An affidavit submitted by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) revealed that between January 2025 and March 2026, a total of 26,671 water samples were tested, with 208 samples found to be unfit for drinking. Notably, in February 2026 alone, eight out of 1,683 samples failed quality tests, and the NMC received 323 complaints regarding contaminated water.
An earlier meeting led by the mayor indicated that contamination was present in more than 50 settlements across nine of the city's ten zones, potentially impacting around 400,000 residents. Areas affected include Laxmi Nagar, Dharampeth, Dhantoli, Nehru Nagar, Gandhibagh, Satranjipura, Lakadganj, Ashi Nagar, and Mangalwari. The NMC attributed the contamination primarily to issues such as pipeline leakages, unauthorized tap connections, and corrosion of pipes.
In a specific case from Nikhare Layout in Mankapur, a blocked and collapsed sewer chamber led to sewage entering a nearby water pipeline, affecting 35 households. An inspection revealed ten unauthorized connections on the pipeline, which the NMC stated contributed to the sewage contamination and weakened the pipeline, increasing the risk of further leaks. Additionally, Orange City Water informed the High Court that the water supply system was not solely responsible for the contamination issues.
Moving forward, the expert committee is expected to provide recommendations on how to address the contamination issues and prevent future occurrences. The court's decision underscores the urgent need for effective monitoring and management of water quality in Nagpur to safeguard public health.
