Tags:EnvironmentUPSC
For Prelims: National Green Tribunal (NGT), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Microplastics
For Mains: Plastic pollution, Microplastics, Environmental monitoring, NGT Act 2010
Source:
Hindustan
5 facts for one-day exams
SSC, railway, police and teaching exams ask direct questions like these.
- NGT gave CPCB 8 weeks to report on a national microplastics testing methodology.
- The methodology will cover water, soil, air, waste and biota.
- Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm.
- The next NGT hearing is on 4 February 2027.
- CPCB is under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Why in the news?
The National Green Tribunal has given the Central Pollution Control Board eight weeks to submit a progress report on developing a uniform national methodology for sampling, preparation and identification of microplastics in water, soil, air, waste and biota. This standardised testing framework is needed to reliably assess microplastic contamination across India, following media reports of microplastics found in Indian salt, sugar and human blood.
Summary
- National Green Tribunal (NGT) directs Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to develop a standardised national methodology for microplastics testing across environmental media.
- The methodology will cover sampling, preparation and identification of microplastics in water, soil, air, waste and biota.
- CPCB was given eight weeks to submit a progress report; next hearing on 4 February 2027.
Background
Microplastics (plastic particles <5 mm) are an emerging environmental and public health concern. In India, studies have found microplastics in table salt, sugar, bottled water, and even human blood. However, there is no nationally standardised protocol for sampling, sample preparation, and identification across different environmental media (water, soil, air, waste, biota). This makes inter-study comparisons unreliable and hampers regulatory action.
Key Analysis and Impact
The NGT's directive pushes CPCB to create a unified, scientifically robust testing framework. Once developed and implemented, this methodology will enable consistent monitoring of microplastic pollution across states. It will also support evidence-based policy for plastic waste management, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and potential health advisories. The standardisation across multiple laboratories is a key technical challenge that CPCB must address.
Way Forward
CPCB must submit its progress report within eight weeks. The next NGT hearing is on 4 February 2027. If the methodology is approved, it could be rolled out to state pollution control boards and accredited laboratories nationwide. This will strengthen India's compliance with global frameworks like the UN's ongoing negotiations for a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution.
Background GK
Textbook concepts you need to understand this news
- National Green Tribunal (NGT)
- A specialised statutory body established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- A statutory organisation under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, responsible for pollution control and environmental quality monitoring at the national level.
- Microplastics
- Small plastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter, which can be primary (manufactured small) or secondary (fragmented from larger plastic items). They are persistent pollutants that can enter food chains and human bodies.
Facts to remember
Tap a card to see the answer. Try to recall it first.
How exams will ask this
- Data: 8 weeks deadline for CPCB report; next hearing on 4 February 2027
- Nodal Body: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- Legal Point: National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
Common mistake:
The trap will be to confuse CPCB with state pollution control boards (SPCBs) or to swap the NGT (tribunal) with the Supreme Court or a High Court. Also, 'microplastics' may be confused with 'nanoplastics' (even smaller) or 'bioplastics' (a different category).
Write these in mains answers
- Plastic pollution, Microplastics, Environmental monitoring, NGT Act 2010
Stuck? Get it in one tap
Microplastics are tiny plastic pieces smaller than 5 mm that pollute water, soil, air and even our food. The NGT has told the CPCB to create a standard way to test for microplastics everywhere in the country, so that all labs get reliable results. The CPCB has eight weeks to show its progress, and the next court date is 4 February 2027.
- Environment: Pollution and its control
- Polity: Tribunals and quasi-judicial bodies
Related concepts: National Green Tribunal (NGT), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Microplastics
Practice questions
Pick an answer, then read the explanation.
- Q1Easy
Under which Act was the National Green Tribunal (NGT) established?
Explanation: The NGT was established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. The Environment Protection Act, 1986 is umbrella legislation for environmental protection. The Water and Air Acts established the CPCB and SPCBs. Hence option B is correct.
- Q2Hard
Consider the following statements:
- 1.The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to develop a uniform national methodology for microplastics testing.
- 2.Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 1 mm in diameter.
- 3.The methodology will cover sampling and identification of microplastics in water, soil, air, waste and biota.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: the NGT directed CPCB to develop a uniform methodology. Statement 2 is incorrect: microplastics are defined as particles smaller than 5 mm, not 1 mm. Statement 3 is correct: the methodology covers water, soil, air, waste and biota. Hence option C is correct.
- Q3Medium
By what date has the NGT scheduled the next hearing in the microplastics testing methodology case?
Explanation: The NGT scheduled the next hearing for 4 February 2027. 13 October 2026 was the date of CPCB's earlier report. 7 November 2026 was the news's publication date. Hence option A is correct.
- Q4Medium
What is the primary environmental benefit of developing a uniform national methodology for microplastics testing?
Explanation: A standardised methodology allows different laboratories and state agencies to produce comparable data on microplastic contamination. This helps in identifying pollution hotspots and formulating targeted regulations. Banning all plastics, increasing imports, or reducing manufacturing costs are not the objectives of a testing methodology. Hence option B is correct.
Frequently asked questions
1. What did the NGT order the CPCB to do?
The NGT directed the CPCB to submit a progress report within eight weeks on developing a uniform national methodology for sampling, preparation and identification of microplastics in water, soil, air, waste and biota.
2. Who is the current chairperson of the NGT?
Justice Prakash Shrivastava is the Chairperson of the National Green Tribunal.
3. When is the next hearing in this case?
The next hearing is scheduled for 4 February 2027.
4. What triggered this NGT case?
The case was triggered by media reports of microplastics found in Indian salt and sugar brands and in human blood samples.
All sources
- Original7 November 2026 · Read story
