The government of India established the Human Rights Commission to reduce exploitation and create awareness among citizens. But are these the only concerns we have to lead a quality life? Yes, there are more, and, most importantly, it’s the environment, which had a greater impact on us. The growing concerns regarding environmental disputes and deforestation need to be addressed. That’s where the National Green Tribunal was established to protect the environment and forests in the country. However, it is still new to some people, which made them question what is National Green Tribunal?
If you’re also new to this concept and want to learn more, be sure to read our guide.
Understanding the National Green Tribunal & Its Objectives
The National Green Tribunal was established on 18 October 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010. The statutory body was created to protect the environment, forests, and natural resources so we can breathe in fresh air every day. Additionally, the tribunal also handles the issues related to the accidental health impacts from environmental causes.
India has achieved a milestone: becoming the third country in the world, after Australia and New Zealand, to adopt this approach to resolve environmental disputes. The specialised tribunal is not limited to conserving the environment but also to protecting its rights. The government has set some clear and well-defined objectives to achieve:
- Quick & effective actions and resolution of the issues related to the environment, forest, and other natural resources.
- Compensation and relief for any damage caused to the individual or property.
- Regulates various environmental disputes related to multi-disciplinary issues.
NGT Composition
After learning what National Green Composition is, it is important to understand its composition. It comprises three major bodies, which are:
- Chairperson- A chairperson can be a retired Supreme Court judge or the Chief Justice of a High Court. It is appointed by the Central Government and the Chief Justice of India.
- Judicial Members- The members are between 10 and 20 former Supreme Court or High Court judges. It is appointed by the Central Government based on merit, serving for 5 years or until age 67 for HC or 70 for SC.
- Expert Members– The 10 to 20 members are enlisted from those who have acquired a Master’s Degree in Science, Engineering, or Technology and relevant experience in the environmental field. The Central Government appoints them.
National Green Tribunal Powers & Jurisdiction
The NGT is to operate under the principles of natural justice. However, it has the authority to create its own procedure rather than follow those predefined in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, which is now the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Samhita. The tribunal has various powers and responsibilities over environment-related issues. Let’s briefly discuss them:
Adjudication
The national green tribunal adjudicates civil cases and provides compensation in disputes related to seven laws related to the environment. It has the power to impose a penalty in case of non-compliance with its order.
Environmental laws
The NGT navigates the violation of environmental laws and decisions made by the government under these statutes, which can be contested before the tribunal, including the Water Act 1974, Air Act 1981, Environment Act 1986, Forest Act 1980, Biological Diversity Act 2002, and Public Liability Insurance Act 1991.
Expertise
The specialised tribunal is designed to control the environmental issues related to a multi-disciplinary nature.
Suo Motu Powers
The NGT is granted the Suo Motu powers, which means it can handle disputes and issues according to its own initiative without requiring a formal complaint.
Enforcement
The National Green Tribunal is mandated to take expeditious disposal of any issues or disputes within six months from the date of filing.
Other Functions
The tribunal can reimburse damaged property or provide money to resolve environmental issues. Additionally, it offers relief to environmental and pollution-injured victims, including those injured by hazardous substances.
NGT Significance in India
The National Green Tribunal has several positive impacts on India, making it a pollution-free country.
- Immediate and efficient disposal of appeals and applications related to environmental disputes.
- Relief and compensation to people and property to address the harm caused by environmental degradation.
- Proper implementation of environmental rights and laws while monitoring to strengthen them.
- It encourages sustainable development with its strict compliance with orders.
- NGT handles all the issues related to the environment, which ultimately reduces the burden on regular courts, allowing them to focus on more legal issues.
You Might Also Like: Green Technology: Asia’s Ticket to Stay Clean and Green
Safe & Sustainable Environment
No one wants to live in an environment where the air feels polluted with rare forests and hazardous natural substances, adversely affecting their quality of life. The National Green Tribunal is the ultimate solution to handle all your environmental issues. It is designed to protect and conserve the environment, forests, and natural resources.
The NGT also helps provide compensation to the people who have suffered from environmental damage. It is the best specialised tribunal in India for taking quicker action with an effective response to environmental disputes to provide a better life and air for individuals.
