The National Green Tribunal (NGT)
Origin of National Green Tribunal:
The
National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established in India as a response to the Rio
de Janeiro Summit during the United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development in 1992. India pledged to
provide judicial and administrative remedies for victims of pollution and
environmental damage. The NGT, created under the National Green
Tribunal Act, 2010, is unique—it’s only the third such system globally,
following Australia and New Zealand.
Justice
Lokeshwar Singh served as the first chairman, and the current chairman is
Justice Adarsh Kumar Goyal. The NGT comprises expert and judicial members, with
a sanctioned strength of ten each. Its headquarters are in Delhi, and it
operates zonal branches in Bhopal, Kolkata, Pune, and Chennai.
The Southern
branch, established in 2012, operates in Chennai, with Justice M Chokkalingam
as the judicial member and Mr R Nagendran as the expert member.
Role and Functions of NGT:
1. Adjudication of Environmental Disputes:
o
NGT handles cases related to environmental
protection, conservation of forests, and natural resources.
o
Provides effective and expeditious resolution
of these matters.
2. Enforcement of Legal Rights:
o
Ensures implementation of environmental laws
and regulations.
o
Promotes strict and effective enforcement.
3. Alternative Dispute Resolution:
o
NGT offers a specialized forum for resolving
environmental disputes.
o
Reduces the burden on higher courts.
4. Speedy Justice:
o
Aims for prompt disposal of cases (within six
months).
o
Addresses environmental issues promptly.
5. Inspired by Article 21:
o
Draws inspiration from Article 21 of the
Indian Constitution, recognizing the right to a healthy environment.
6. Multi-Disciplinary Approach:
o
Considers various aspects related to the
environment.
o
Combines legal expertise with environmental
knowledge.
7. Sustainable Development:
o
Promotes sustainable practices.
o
Safeguards the environment for future
generations.
8. Relief and Compensation:
o
Provides relief and compensation for damages
caused by environmental harm.
9. Less Formal Proceedings:
o
NGT proceedings are accessible and efficient.
o
Less formal than regular courts.
10.
Contributing to
Environmental Jurisprudence:
o
NGT decisions shape environmental law.
o
Sets precedents for future cases.
Conclusion:
The National
Green Tribunal (NGT), established in 2010, is a crucial institution for
environmental protection in India. Guided by the principles of Article 21 of
the Indian Constitution, it emphasizes the right to a healthy environment. The
NGT has significantly contributed to safeguarding natural resources and
ensuring sustainable development. By providing a specialized forum for
resolving environmental disputes, it has become a beacon of hope for those
seeking justice in matters related to pollution, wildlife, and conservation.
Let’s continue to support the NGT’s vital role in preserving our planet for
future generations.
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