National Green Tribunal: Your Guide to Environmental Justice in India

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established in 2010 under the NGT Act to provide effective and speedy disposal of environmental cases.

Jurisdiction of NGT
The Tribunal hears civil cases related to:

• Environmental protection and conservation

• Forest conservation and wildlife protection

• Air and water pollution

• Hazardous waste management

• Climate change and carbon emissions

Powers of NGT

• Original and appellate jurisdiction

• Power to grant relief, compensation, and restitution

• Can review its own decisions

• Not bound by CPC procedure (follows principles of natural justice)

Who Can File a Case?
Any person aggrieved by environmental damage can file a case. The NGT has liberal standing rules — you don't need to be directly affected.

Procedure for Filing

• Draft the petition with facts and legal grounds

• File at the Principal Bench (Delhi) or any of the four Regional Benches

• Pay the prescribed fee (₹1,000 for individuals)

• Serve notice to the respondent and relevant authorities

Landmark NGT Orders

• Ban on 10-year-old diesel vehicles in Delhi-NCR

• Protection of the Ganga river from industrial pollution

• Crackdown on illegal sand mining across states

• Orders on solid waste management compliance

Tips for Effective Litigation

• Gather scientific evidence — lab reports, expert opinions

• Document environmental damage with photographs

• Cite relevant environmental laws and precedents

• Be prepared for site visits by the NGT panel

The NGT has emerged as one of India's most effective environmental enforcement mechanisms.