What Matters Go To NGT?

Answer:

The National Green Tribunal deals with cases where a serious environmental issue is involved. A matter can go to NGT when it raises a substantial question relating to environment, including enforcement of a legal right connected with environment. This may include pollution, illegal mining, river damage, forest destruction, wetland encroachment, groundwater contamination, industrial discharge, solid waste dumping, hazardous waste, air pollution, noise pollution, environmental clearance violations, and failure of authorities to take environmental action.

NGT is not meant for every ordinary civil dispute. If a dispute is only about private ownership, boundary, tenancy, contract, or personal grievance, it may not be maintainable before NGT unless it directly affects air, water, soil, forest, biodiversity, ecology, public health, or natural resources. The NGT Act, 2010 was created for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection, conservation of forests and natural resources, and relief or compensation for environmental damage.

A strong NGT case should clearly show the environmental harm, the authority responsible for prevention, the private violator if any, and the relief required. The relief may include stopping illegal activity, inspection, pollution testing, restoration, environmental compensation, action against violators, and compliance monitoring.