National Green Tribunal

Why in News?

The Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), by suo motu has directed the Kerala to remove the biomedical and mixed solid waste dumped in villages of Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu.

• Established in – 2010, as per the National Green Tribunal Act.
• It was setup as per recommendations of the Supreme Court, Law Commission and India’s international law obligations to develop national laws on environment.
• Specialised judicial body – It is equipped with expertise solely for the purpose of adjudicating environmental cases in the country.
• Task – Providing effective & expeditious remedy in cases relating to
  • Environmental protection
  • Conservation of forests and other natural resources
  • Enforcement of any legal right relating to environment
• Tribunal’s orders – They are binding and it has power to grant relief in the form of compensation and damages to affected persons.
• Composition – It has a presence in 5 zones

• The Principal Bench is situated in the North Zone, headquartered in Delhi.
• Headed by – The Chairperson who sits in the Principal Bench and has
  • At least 10 but not more than 20 judicial members and
  • At least 10 but not more than 20 expert members.

• Simple approach – Aggrieved parties may approach the Tribunal in person by submitting an application and no need of advocate.
• Orders are binding – Its orders are enforceable and has powers of a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.  
• Orders are not final – It has powers to review its own decisions and if this fails, the decision can be challenged before the Supreme Court within 90 days.

References

1. The Hindu| Clearing of dumped Biomedical Wastes
2. NGT| National green Tribunal