Monday, May 26, 2025

What is NGT?

 

๐ŸŒฟ What is NGT?

Full form: National Green Tribunal
Established under: National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
Purpose: A specialized tribunal set up exclusively to handle cases related to environmental protection, conservation of forests, natural resources, and enforcement of environmental laws.


⚖️ Why was NGT created?

  • To speed up environmental justice (regular courts take too long)

  • To provide expert decisions (with environmental and technical experts, not just judges)

  • To ensure that environmental issues are handled efficiently and with scientific understanding


๐Ÿ› Powers and Functions of NGT

✅ Handles disputes under major environmental laws like:

  • The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

  • The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980

  • The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

  • The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

  • The Biological Diversity Act, 2002

✅ Can provide compensation for environmental damage.
✅ Can order restoration or remedial measures.
✅ Can pass injunctions or stop orders (e.g., stop polluting industries).
✅ Has original jurisdiction over environmental civil cases and appellate jurisdiction over certain government decisions.


๐Ÿ‘ฅ Who sits on the NGT?

  • Judicial members → retired judges of the Supreme Court or High Courts

  • Expert members → people with scientific, technical, or environmental expertise


๐Ÿ“ Where are NGT benches located?

  • Principal Bench: New Delhi

  • Other benches: Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, Chennai (regional benches)


๐Ÿ•ฐ Time-bound decisions

The NGT Act says it should decide cases within 6 months of filing → much faster than regular courts.


๐Ÿ“Œ Why is NGT important?

  • Protects fundamental right to a clean and healthy environment under Article 21

  • Ensures industries, government bodies, and individuals follow environmental rules

  • Helps balance development and environmental protection

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