NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL: ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE, JUSTICE, AND SUSTAINABILITY IN INDIA

Abstract

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in India represents a specialized judicial body established to address environmental disputes and enforce sustainable development principles. Since its inception in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act, the NGT has played a pivotal role in strengthening environmental governance by ensuring expedited justice, enforcing environmental laws, and promoting ecological sustainability. This paper examines the NGT’s legal framework, jurisdictional authority, and landmark judgments that have shaped India’s environmental jurisprudence. It also evaluates the Tribunal’s effectiveness in balancing economic development with environmental protection, its challenges in implementation, and its contributions to global sustainability goals. By analyzing case studies and legal precedents, this study highlights the NGT’s role in fostering environmental justice, public participation, and accountability in India’s governance system.