Key Terms & Concepts — UPSC Mains
National Green Tribunal (NGT)
"Specialised quasi-judicial body for fast-track adjudication of environmental disputes in India"
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a specialised quasi-judicial body established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources. It exercises original jurisdiction over substantial questions relating to environment and multidisciplinary issues. NGT is headquartered in New Delhi with regional benches in Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai. It is one of only a handful of dedicated environmental courts in the world.
UPSC tests NGT extensively under GS2 (judiciary, governance) and GS3 (environment). Key: NGT's powers, limitations, landmark orders, and comparison with other environmental dispute mechanisms.
- 1 Established under: National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 (effective from October 18, 2010)
- 2 Jurisdiction: Environmental disputes + conservation of forests, natural resources, biodiversity; enforcement of legal rights relating to environment
- 3 NOT covered: Wildlife (Protection) Act, Indian Forest Act, Forest Conservation Act — these remain with civil courts
- 4 Bench composition: Judicial members (former HC/SC judges) + Expert members (scientists, environmental experts)
- 5 Chairperson: Retired SC judge
- 6 Limitation period: 6 months from cause of action (shorter than regular courts)
- 7 Powers: Can award compensation; impose penalties; restore damaged environment; interim orders
- 8 Key NGT orders: Yamuna cleanup orders; sand mining regulations; Vedanta Sterlite case; restrictions on stubble burning; plastic ban enforcement
- 9 PPP: Polluter Pays Principle — NGT uses this to order industries to pay for environmental remediation
- 10 Article 21: NGT's jurisdiction is connected to right to clean environment as part of right to life
When residents of Hyderabad filed a complaint about untreated sewage being discharged into Hussain Sagar lake, the NGT ordered the municipal corporation to install STPs within 6 months and imposed a daily fine for non-compliance — demonstrating the Tribunal's enforcement teeth.