New Delhi: In 2024, the National Green Tribunal (NGT), often referred to as the 'Green Court,' took significant strides in addressing the pressing environmental issues of India. With over 4,000 cases currently under adjudication, the tribunal has increasingly leveraged technology and scientific approaches to manage environmental concerns across the country.
Progressive environmental governance
Suo moto cognisance of various environmental matters, alongside public grievances and media reports, led to timely interventions and resolutions, creating a pathway for progressive environmental governance.
The tribunal also embraced digital tools, including an app for daily cause lists and case updates, enabling smoother proceedings and greater transparency.
Solid waste across India
One of the most pressing concerns that the NGT has been addressing is the management of solid waste across India.
The tribunal undertook a nationwide review of waste management practices, holding state and union territory authorities accountable.
Management of landfill sites
Chief Secretaries were instructed to submit compliance reports, and deficiencies in waste processing were flagged, such as gaps in waste generation and processing, as well as issues related to compost quality and the management of landfill sites.
The tribunal also focused on remediation of legacy waste and recovery of land used for landfills, directing states to step up their efforts in creating sustainable waste management systems.
Also Read |
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar blames NGT of damaging Yamuna River bed for his cultural extravaganza
Untreated sewage
The tribunal's significant interventions involved addressing the discharge of untreated sewage into rivers, lakes, and ponds.
Unfit for bathing
The NGT observed that untreated sewage was the primary reason for rivers becoming unfit for bathing.
Violations of Supreme Court orders from the Paryaavaran Suraksha case were highlighted, with the tribunal calling for immediate measures to stop the discharge of untreated sewage.
Sewage treatment plants
It directed states to ensure adequate sewage treatment infrastructure, with a focus on fully utilising existing sewage treatment plants (STPs) to their designed capacity.
Additionally, the tribunal emphasised the need for 100% household connectivity to sewerage systems and stressed that treated sewage should be used for secondary purposes like irrigation.
Water body for millions
The Green Tribunal also took strong measures regarding the Ganga River, a vital water body for millions of Indians.
A district-wide action plan was mandated for towns along the river, with directives to prevent sewage discharge into the Ganga and its tributaries.
Also Read |
NGT directs UP Govt. to demolish illegal restaurant constructed near Taj Mahal
Aachman rituals
The NGT also issued detailed instructions ahead of the upcoming Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj, ensuring that the authorities provided clean water for devotees, enabling them to perform the sacred "Aachman" rituals.
Deteriorating air quality
The deteriorating air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) remained a significant concern for the NGT in 2024.
The tribunal closely monitored air quality levels, directing the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to prepare a comprehensive, quantifiable action plan for each district and town in the NCR.
National Clean Air Programme
It also took up cases for 53 cities exceeding air quality limits, urging the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF&CC) to consolidate action plans as part of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). The tribunal insisted on swift action to tackle the growing air pollution crisis.
The NGT also intensified its focus on hazardous waste management.
