--- title: "NGT directs TNPCB to set IIT-M timetable for Neyveli study" url: https://projectchintan.com/article/ngt-tnpcb-timeline-for-neyveli-study-5ck0q publisher: Project Chintan author: Project Chintan Newsroom section: Politics published: 2026-08-15T17:30:37.183Z modified: 2026-08-15T20:00:07.284Z language: en-IN --- # NGT directs TNPCB to set IIT-M timetable for Neyveli study The National Green Tribunal asked Tamil Nadu to issue terms of reference to IIT-Madras and establish a timeline for a comprehensive Neyveli pollution study, amid prior committee divergences and varying mercury findings in water samples. ## Key takeaways - NGT directed TNPCB to formalize ToR for IIT-Madras and fix a completion timeline for a Neyveli pollution study. - There were prior disagreements within the technical committee about producing a comprehensive report. - Mercury was detected by the TNPCB lab in some surface water samples, while private labs questioned the quantifiability of mercury and selenium in the same cycle. - A high-level committee conducted field work in July 2025 and produced mixed conclusions, highlighting the need for hydrogeology and wind-pattern analysis. ## What Happened The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Southern Bench directed the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to issue the terms of reference to IIT-Madras and set a timeline for a comprehensive scientific study on pollution concerns in Neyveli. This followed disagreements within a technical committee that had been examining the issue and after the NGT heard suo motu cases related to alleged pollution around Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) India and reported mercury presence in water. The Bench, comprising Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member Prashant Gargava, noted that the TNPCB’s internal committee submitted individual reports but disagreed on a single comprehensive report. Although TNPCB had initially delegated the study to IIT-Madras, the Bench observed that ToR had not yet been issued to IIT-Madras or a study timeline fixed. The court referenced findings from the TNPCB’s sampling, as well as private laboratories, and indicated that the matter would be kept for further directions once IIT-Madras submits its report. ## Background Previously, in an order dated July 15, the Bench recorded differing results from sampling and analysis. Private labs reported mercury and selenium below quantification in the second cycle, while the TNPCB’s own lab detected mercury in six of 19 surface water samples, with concentrations ranging from 0.01 mg/l to 0.027 mg/l. A high-level technical expert committee conducted field work in July 2025, collected four samples, and submitted independent reports that did not converge on a single comprehensive assessment. The committee also indicated that locating the exact source of contamination required hydrogeological and wind-pattern analysis, and consideration of nearby entities including NLC, TAQA, and IL&FS. ## Key Facts - The NGT directed TNPCB to issue ToR to IIT-Madras and fix a timeline for a comprehensive study on Neyveli pollution concerns. - The direction was issued on August 12 by the Southern Bench of the NGT, during hearings on cases related to alleged Neyveli pollution and mercury in water. - TNPCB had earlier delegated the study to IIT-Madras but had not issued formal ToR or timeline. - Private lab reports indicated mercury and selenium below quantification in the second cycle of analysis; the TNPCB’s lab found mercury in six of 19 surface water samples (0.01 mg/l to 0.027 mg/l). - A high-level committee inspected the area in July 2025, collected four samples, and produced separate reports with differing conclusions on a comprehensive report. - The Bench stated that a detailed hydrogeology, wind pattern, and industrial contribution assessment would be necessary for a conclusive finding. - The matter has been posted to September 25 for status updates on ToR, timeline, and related details. ## Why It Matters The order emphasizes formalizing the scope and schedule of an independent, scientifically grounded assessment of pollution around Neyveli, potentially clarifying contamination sources and informing regulatory action. It also underscores ongoing questions about mercury presence in local water and the sufficiency of different lab findings, which could influence future monitoring and remediation strategies if the IIT-Madras study uncovers actionable results. ## What Happens Next The TNPCB is to file a status report detailing the ToR issued to IIT-Madras, the fixed timeline for submitting the study, and other pertinent particulars. Once IIT-Madras completes and submits its report, the Bench may consider further directions or concluding steps based on the findings. The next hearing date is noted for September 25. --- Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/ngt-tnpcb-timeline-for-neyveli-study-5ck0q Reported from: Multiple Sources