February 10, 2026 : The National Green Tribunal has taken up a letter petition alleging large-scale sewage discharge by a private medical institution in Bhopal that residents claim is contaminating farmland and posing serious health risks to nearly 20 percent of the Kolar area’s population.
In an order dated February 9, 2026, the Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal in New Delhi registered the complaint as Original Application No. 72/2026 after treating it as a petition under its suo motu jurisdiction, in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Supreme Court of India in Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha.
The complaint was filed by Ramlal Meena, a resident of village Hinotiya Alam, who alleged that Mansarovar Dental & Ayurvedic Medical College is releasing untreated sewage water into open agricultural fields along Kolar Road in Bhopal. According to the petition, the wastewater flows through fields and a small canal near Apni Milan Colony, eventually reaching Fortune Estate Colony and even the ISKCON Temple area.
The applicant claims that around 130 acres of farmland are being irrigated with the allegedly contaminated water. Crops grown on this land, including vegetables, wheat, and rice, are said to be supplied to a significant portion of the local population. Residents have further alleged that borewell water in nearby colonies such as Ruby Bhagwan State, Apni Milan Colony, and Fortune Estate Colony has become unfit for drinking.
The complaint states that nearly 700 students and staff reside on the college campus, and their sewage is allegedly being discharged without proper treatment. The petitioner has claimed a rise in cancer cases, water-borne diseases, and other infections in the past year, though these assertions have not yet been independently verified in the proceedings.
Citing provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, the applicant has sought strict action against the institution. The plea also invokes constitutional provisions relating to the right to life, public health, and environmental protection.
When the matter was taken up, the applicant did not appear before the tribunal either physically or through video conferencing. However, instead of dismissing the case for non-appearance, the bench comprising Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Expert Member Dr. Afroz Ahmad granted an adjournment.
Noting that the alleged cause of action falls within the jurisdiction of the Central Zone Bench at Bhopal, the Principal Bench directed the registry to transfer the matter there. The case is now scheduled to be listed before the Central Zone Bench of the tribunal in Bhopal on March 12, 2026, after necessary administrative approval. The applicant has been directed to appear and place supporting material on record on the next date of hearing.
The tribunal has not made any findings on the merits of the allegations at this stage.
Case Reference : Original Application No. 72/2026, Ramlal Meena v. State of Madhya Pradesh & Ors.
