The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a specialized judicial body established in India for effective and expeditious disposal of cases related to environmental protection, conservation of forests, and other natural resources.
- Establishment:
- The NGT was established on October 18, 2010, under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, passed by the Parliament of India.
- Its establishment was in response to the need for a specialized forum to handle environmental disputes and ensure the effective implementation of environmental laws in the country.
- Jurisdiction:
- The NGT has jurisdiction over matters related to environmental protection, conservation of forests, rivers, lakes, and other natural resources.
- It hears cases involving violations of environmental laws, pollution control, environmental clearances, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.
- The tribunal can adjudicate on issues raised under various environmental statutes, including the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
- Composition:
- The NGT consists of a Chairperson and a certain number of Judicial and Expert Members, appointed by the Central Government.
- The Chairperson is a retired Judge of the Supreme Court of India, while the Judicial Members are retired High Court Judges.
- Expert Members possess expertise in environmental science, engineering, ecology, or related fields.
- Functions:
- Adjudication: The NGT adjudicates on environmental disputes and cases of environmental violations, providing speedy and effective justice.
- Redressal: It provides remedies and relief to individuals, communities, and organizations affected by environmental degradation or pollution.
- Enforcement: The NGT ensures the enforcement of environmental laws and regulations by issuing directions, orders, and injunctions to polluting industries, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
- Compliance Monitoring: The tribunal monitors the implementation of its orders and directions to ensure compliance with environmental norms and standards.
- Powers:
- The NGT has the power of a civil court while trying cases, including summoning witnesses, examining evidence, and enforcing attendance.
- It can pass orders for compensation and restitution to victims of environmental damage, restoration of degraded ecosystems, and preventive measures to mitigate pollution.
- The tribunal has the authority to impose penalties, fines, and punitive measures on violators of environmental laws, including closure of polluting industries and cancellation of environmental clearances.
- Procedure:
- The NGT follows summary procedures to ensure speedy disposal of cases, with a focus on oral hearings, pre-trial mediation, and written submissions.
- The tribunal adopts principles of natural justice and fairness in its proceedings, providing opportunities for parties to present their case and rebut evidence.
- Significance:
- The NGT has emerged as a crucial institution for environmental governance in India, providing a forum for public participation, advocacy, and redressal of environmental grievances.
- Its decisions have contributed to the protection and conservation of fragile ecosystems, biodiversity hotspots, and critical natural resources across the country.
- The NGT’s role in promoting environmental justice, sustainable development, and ecological balance is widely recognized, both nationally and internationally.
Overall, the National Green Tribunal serves as an important mechanism for ensuring environmental justice, accountability, and sustainable management of natural resources in India, contributing to the country’s efforts towards environmental conservation and ecological sustainability.
