Survey finds chromium contamination up to 59 times limit near Chakeri Airport

Kanpur: Soil samples near the former Chakeri Airport terminal in Kanpur were found to contain chromium levels up to 59 times the regulatory threshold, according to a survey report submitted by the Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur (IIT-Kanpur) to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Oct 5.At the request of the district administration, IIT-Kanpur investigated chromium and mercury contamination in Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat and Fatehpur. UP govt standing counsel Bhanwar Pal Singh Jadaun presented the report before the NGT.Survey work was completed in the Jajmau industrial area, one of eight critical pollution zones in Kanpur Nagar, while a preliminary assessment began in Ruma. IIT-Kanpur collected 121 samples on July 16, Aug 10 and Aug 13.The July 16 sampling comprised 11 soil samples, 10 surface-water samples and 12 groundwater samples. On Aug 10, researchers collected 21 soil, 11 surface-water and 17 groundwater samples. On Aug 13, they collected 17 soil, nine surface-water and 13 groundwater samples. Overall, Kanpur Nagar yielded 49 soil, 42 groundwater and 30 surface-water samples.Hotspots included Juhi Bamburahiya, Afim Kothi, Jajmau Industrial Area, Tezab Mill Parisar, Golaghat, Panki Industrial Area and Noreya Kheda. A Sept 28 progress report stated that the institute collected 166 samples from nine hotspots in Kanpur Dehat, including 75 groundwater, 19 surface-water and 72 soil samples.IIT-Kanpur was tasked with scientifically assessing heavy-metal contamination, mapping it using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, and recommending environmental restoration measures. UPSIDA allocated Rs 2.655 crore for the project.Initial sampling in heavily contaminated areas was completed between July and Sept. Laboratory analysis was scheduled from July to Oct, while post-monsoon air-quality assessment and GIS mapping were set to begin in Oct. Comprehensive technical recommendations were expected to be finalised from Nov.IIT-Kanpur and the district magistrates of the three districts signed a memorandum of understanding in the second week of June 2026. This followed formal communications from the respective DMs and the secretary of the UP govt’s Environment, Forest and Climate Change Division.The state govt had approved IIT-Kanpur’s proposal before the agreement was signed. The project covered groundwater, surface water, soil and air sampling, along with the identification of industrial effluent discharge points, contamination pathways, and the distribution of industrial contaminants and heavy metals.The three districts were designated environmentally sensitive because of historical industrial operations and documented pollution incidents. Earlier investigations raised concerns about contamination of water, soil and agricultural land, particularly near leather tanneries, old chromium-waste disposal sites and manufacturing facilities. The Rania Industrial Area in Kanpur Dehat and the Jajmau Industrial Area were identified as priority zones.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kanpur | Silver Rate in Kanpur | Bank Holidays in Kanpur | Public Holidays in Kanpur | Kanpur AQI | Weather in Kanpur | Petrol Price in Kanpur | Diesel Price in Kanpur | CNG Price in Kanpur | LPG Price in KanpurStay updated with the latest Kanpur news. Download the TOI App.