Environmental Regulatory Body, NGT, Clamps Down on Polluters
The National Green Tribunal: A Pillar of Environmental Justice in India
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a significant statutory body established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. This environmental court was created in response to India's commitments at the Rio de Janeiro Summit in 1992, marking a significant step towards environmental protection and conservation.
The NGT is headquartered in New Delhi, serving as the Principal Bench for the Northern Zone. It also has regional benches in key cities across the country, including Delhi, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai. To ensure wider accessibility, temporary Circuit Benches are also set up. These can be found in cities such as Bhopal, Pune, Chennai, and Kolkata.
The NGT's jurisdiction extends to cases related to various environmental laws. These include the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, Forest (Conservation) Act, and Environment (Protection) Act. The tribunal's decisions play a crucial role in enforcing these laws and upholding environmental standards.
The NGT consists of Judicial Members, who are judges from the Supreme Court or High Courts, and Expert Members, who are professionals with expertise in environment and forest laws. The Chairperson of the NGT is appointed from the ranks of the Supreme Court or High Court judges.
The NGT's structure and jurisdiction reflect a commitment to addressing environmental issues effectively and efficiently. By ensuring that cases are heard by knowledgeable and experienced judges, the NGT is well-positioned to protect India's environment and promote sustainable development.
