Green Tribunal

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Bill, 2009 that would judge environmental disputes was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Jairam Ramesh, Environment Minister on 31st July, 2009 after it got the approval from the cabinet on 23rd July, 2009. The Ministry of Environment and Forests submitted a Note for the Cabinet on 17th July, 09 proposing establishment of the National Green Tribunal. The tribunal will have the same powers as a civil court. It will subsume various state-level authorities that address environmental issues as well as committees created by the Supreme Court for that purpose.

This Bill provides “for the establishment of a National Green Tribunal for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.”