Delhi High Court's 'Green Judge' Justice Najmi Waziri Retires Today: 'May Each Tree Extend Your Life', Say Lawyers

The Delhi High Court judge Justice Najmi Waziri, known for his contributions to the environment, particularly his orders directing planting of trees in the national capital, retires from service today.“I am a rich person today, I am very rich,” said Justice Waziri as various lawyers appeared in his courtroom, appreciating and thanking him for his valuable and significant efforts on the...

Global Warming: National Green Tribunal Forms Committee To Frame Policy, Measures To Protect Submerging Islands

In a suo moto cognizance case, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted a four-member committee to frame policies and measures to protect submerging islands due to the rise of sea level and global warming.The principal bench noted that due to the dangers of sea level rise and the submergence of low-lying lands such as islands, “it is imperative to protect these islands as people...

NGT Cannot Pass Directions Relying On Recommendations Of Expert Committee Without Giving Parties A Chance To Rebut It: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court recently held that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) being an adjudicatory body must comply with the principles of natural justice. It also held that if the NGT intends to rely on the report of an expert Committee or any other material that is brought to its knowledge, the concerned party must be informed of it in advance, and be given an opportunity for discussion...

Supreme Court Constitutes Expert Committee to Find a Solution for Unregulated Entry of Pilgrims into Core Areas of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday set up a high-level panel to examine the environmental issues arising as a result of a large number of pilgrims visiting the temples located inside the core area of Rajasthan’s Sariska Tiger Reserve and directed them to furnish a report within six weeks. The bench held: “The perusal of an affidavit by the deputy forest conservator...

Environmental Law Weekly Round-Up [01 July- 07 July, 2023]

A weekly round-up of development in environmental law jurisprudence.Nominal IndexArvind Kumar Agarwal & Ors v.The Chief Secretary To Govt Of Tamil Nadu & Ors.Gaurav Sharma v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi & Ors.Sudhir Gupta v. DDA & Anr. [2023 LiveLaw (Del) 545]Neema Waldia v. State of Uttarakhand & othersOther UpdatesSupreme Court1.“Compensation Awarded For Damage...

Illegal Mining In Prayagraj: National Green Tribunal Directs UP PCB To Identify Violators, File Action Taken Report

The principal bench of National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed UP PCB to identify violators of environmental norms and file action taken reports against proponents carrying illegal mining activities in Prayagraj District.After considering the report indicating several violations with respect to mining and sand washing plants, the bench of Justice Sheo Kumar Singh (Chairperson), Justice...

Solid Waste Management In Haryana’s Hisar: NGT Constitutes Committee, Calls For Factual Report

The principal bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has formed a joint committee to prepare a factual report and report on actions taken regarding violations of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and NGT guidelines by the Municipal Corporation of Hisar.“The State PCB will be the nodal agency for coordination and logistic support. The report may include status of solid waste...

‘Discharge Of Pollution In Yamuna, Failure To Implement Directions Is Lack Of Governance’: National Green Tribunal

The principal bench of the National Green Tribunal has observed, after perusing the status report submitted by the Delhi Government before it, that untreated and partially treated sewage and industrial waste are entering Delhi's Yamuna.While noting that the large-scale pollution is still unchecked, it said that the overall situation is "extremely disappointing."“Discharge of pollution in...

Centre Appoints Justice Sheo Kumar Singh As Acting Chairperson of National Green Tribunal

The Central Government has appointed Justice Sheo Kumar Singh-I, Judicial Member of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), to act as the Chairperson of the NGT until the date on which a new Chairperson is appointed.The Acting Chairperson is appointed in exercise of the powers conferred by section 11 of the NGT Act, 2010 read with clause (a) of rule 7 of the Tribunal (Conditions of Service)...

“Compensation Awarded For Damage To Environment”: Supreme Court Directs Purvankara Limited To Deposit 5.5 Crores To Tamil Nadu PCB

The Supreme Court bench comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Bela M. Trivedi heard an appeal against NGT, Chennai bench judgment which had directed a Chennai-based private builder company to pay 5.5 crores for violation of environmental laws. The Apex court observed that “Compensation is awarded for non-compliance as well as damage to the environment”. It directed Purvankara projects...

NGT Chairperson Justice A.K. Goel To Retire On Thursday: A Look Back At Key NGT Initiatives, Decisions Under His Tenure

Justice A.K. Goel, who served as the Chief Justice of the Gauhati and Orissa High Court, was elevated to the position of a Judge in the Supreme Court in 2014. Thereafter, he assumed the role of Chairperson of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on July 6, 2018. As he concludes his tenure, Justice A.K. Goel is scheduled to retire tomorrow.The NGT has played a pivotal role in upholding...

Pollution In AIIMS: NGT Constitutes Committee To Form SoP For Reducing Pollution In, Around Government Hospitals

The principal bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted a five-member joint committee headed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Health to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) aimed at reducing pollution in and around all government district hospitals or hospitals larger than district hospitals, including medical colleges.The Tribunal was hearing the plea filed...