NGT flags pollution in eight MP cities:Seeks report on Bhopal–Indore air quality as capital’s AQI worsens from ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ category

The National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) Central Zone Bench in Bhopal has expressed serious concern over rising air pollution levels in eight cities of Madhya Pradesh, including Bhopal and Indore, and has directed the state government to submit a detailed report within eight weeks. The tribunal observed that air quality in Bhopal has deteriorated far beyond prescribed standards, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) slipping from the “very poor” to the “severe” category, posing a grave environmental and public health risk. Cities declared ‘non-attainment’ by CPCB The order was passed on Wednesday while hearing a petition filed by Rashid Noor Khan, represented by advocate Harshvardhan Tiwari. The NGT noted that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has declared Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Ujjain, Dewas, Sagar and Singrauli as “non-attainment cities.” These cities have consistently recorded PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ levels above the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for more than five consecutive years. Pollution levels far above permissible limits According to the tribunal, Bhopal’s annual average PM₁₀ levels range between 130 and 190 micrograms per cubic metre, while PM₂.₅ levels vary from 80 to 100 micrograms per cubic metre—several times higher than the permissible limits. ‘City of Lakes’ choking under smog The NGT observed that Bhopal, popularly known as the “City of Lakes,” is now grappling with persistent winter smog, reduced visibility and AQI levels fluctuating between “very poor” and “severe.” Real-time data shows that AQI has crossed 300 on several nights. The tribunal clarified that pollution is not caused by a single factor but is the cumulative effect of stubble burning, dust from construction and demolition activities, vehicular emissions, open waste burning, landfill fires, firecracker use and industrial operations. Lack of effective state-level mechanism The NGT also pointed out that despite the Supreme Court’s adoption of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and an air-shed-based policy for Delhi-NCR, Madhya Pradesh has failed to implement any effective state-level mechanism, aggravating the pollution crisis. Joint committee formed, report due in six weeks Considering the seriousness of the issue, the tribunal issued notices to the state government and concerned departments and constituted a joint committee. The panel includes the Principal Secretary (Environment), representatives of EPCO, Principal Secretaries of the Urban Administration and Transport Departments, members of the State Pollution Control Board, and former CPCB Additional Director Dr Ravi Prakash Mishra. The committee has been directed to assess the situation and submit a comprehensive report detailing facts and actions taken within six weeks. The Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board has been appointed as the nodal agency. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for March 18.