Green Court's Bold Moves: NGT's Environmental Legacy in 2024

In 2024, India’s National Green Tribunal (NGT) advanced its environmental strategy by addressing waste management, sewage discharge, air quality, and more. Key interventions included digital tools for transparency, directives on hazardous waste, and forest cover protection. The NGT pushed for robust policies, highlighting issues from groundwater depletion to unlawful resource exploitation.

In 2024, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) of India, commonly known as the 'Green Court,' made substantial progress tackling pressing environmental challenges in the country. With over 4,000 ongoing cases, the tribunal embraced technology and scientific methods to address environmental concerns nationwide. By taking suo moto cognisance of various issues, alongside public grievances and media reports, it facilitated timely interventions, paving the way for progressive environmental governance. The NGT also adopted digital tools, including an app for daily cause lists and case updates, enhancing procedural efficiency and transparency.

A significant concern addressed by the NGT was solid waste management. Conducting a nationwide review, the tribunal held state and union territory authorities accountable, instructing Chief Secretaries to submit compliance reports and flagging deficiencies in waste processing. It particularly focused on the management of landfill sites and the remediation of legacy waste, urging states to create sustainable waste management systems.

The NGT's efforts extended to improving water quality, targeting untreated sewage discharge into rivers and lakes. Highlighting violations of Supreme Court directives, it mandated states to enhance sewage treatment infrastructure, ensure full utilization of existing plants, and push for 100% household connectivity to sewerage systems, promoting the use of treated sewage for irrigation and other secondary purposes. Specific attention was given to the Ganga River, with action plans mandated to prevent sewage discharge, especially ahead of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.

The tribunal also prioritized air quality in Delhi and the NCR, monitoring levels and instructing the Commission for Air Quality Management to craft district-specific action plans. Exceeding air quality levels in 53 cities led the NGT to urge the Ministry of Environment to consolidate efforts under the National Clean Air Programme. Hazardous waste management saw reinforced guidelines, while biomedical and electronic waste regulations were tightened to prevent ecological harm.

Furthermore, plastic pollution emerged as a key challenge. The NGT demanded stronger enforcement of regulations pertaining to single-use plastics, alongside recognizing groundwater level depletion as a nationwide crisis. The tribunal urged rigorous conservation practices and restoration programs to tackle these issues, also addressing the loss of forest cover and illegal mining practices.

Overall, 2024 saw the NGT pushing for robust institutional responses to environmental violations. The tribunal called for fortified enforcement mechanisms, enhanced infrastructure, and accountability for violators. Its comprehensive approach underscored the importance of environmental protection measures, advocating for sustainable governance across India.

(With inputs from agencies.)