National Green Tribunal (NGT)

 

National Green Tribunal (NGT)

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a specialized judicial body established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, to handle environmental disputes and cases involving substantial environmental questions and enforcement of legal rights relating to the environment.

The key objective of NGT is to provide a speedy, effective, and specialized forum for the adjudication of environmental matters, reducing the burden on regular courts. It ensures compliance with environmental laws such as the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, Water Act, 1974, Air Act, 1981, and Forest Conservation Act, 1980.

Key Features:

• Section 14 provides for original jurisdiction over civil cases related to environmental protection.
• Section 16 provides appellate jurisdiction over orders passed by pollution control boards and environmental authorities.
• The tribunal follows principles of natural justice, polluter pays, and the precautionary principle.
• It consists of both judicial and expert members, ensuring technical and legal evaluation of cases.

In Goa Foundation v. Union of India, the NGT suspended environmental clearances for mining due to non-compliance with ecological norms, highlighting its proactive stance.

The NGT has been instrumental in matters like Yamuna floodplains encroachment, Ganga river pollution, and air pollution in Delhi-NCR. However, it has also faced criticism for inconsistent jurisdictional interpretations and limited enforcement capacity.

Despite these challenges, the NGT represents a progressive step toward green justice, ensuring that environmental governance in India is accessible, efficient, and accountable.