NGT AND ENVIOEMENT PROTECTION IN INDIA

Abstract

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) of India has emerged as a crucial institution in the country's environmental governance framework, tasked with the dual responsibility of protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development. Established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, the NGT provides a specialized forum for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of natural resources. This paper examines the role of the NGT in promoting sustainable development, balancing economic growth with environmental protection, and contributing to India's international environmental commitments. Through a detailed analysis of landmark cases and the tribunal's jurisprudence, the paper highlights the NGT's impact on shaping environmental policy in India and its efforts to ensure that development activities do not compromise ecological integrity. The paper also discusses the challenges faced by the NGT in enforcing its orders and the future prospects for the tribunal in an increasingly complex environmental landscape. The findings underscore the importance of the NGT as a key player in India's environmental protection efforts, while also pointing to the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms and greater public engagement in environmental decision-making.