Universal Coaching Centre -

Enter your keyword

8053+ OFFICERS SERVING THE NATION UNIVERSAL COACHING CENTRE Let's join hands together in bringing Your Name in Elite officers list. JOIN US 25 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE MEET NEW FRIENDS AND STUDY WITH EXPERTS JOIN US Nothing is better than having friends study together. Each student can learn from others through by teamwork building and playing interesting games. Following instruction of experts, you and friends will gain best scores.

ULP Click here! Click here! Classroom Programme NRA-CET Test Series
Click here ! Org code: XSHWV

post

Supreme Court Transfers River Pollution Oversight to NGT

Why in the News ?

The Supreme Court (SC) has ended its five-year suo motu monitoring of river pollution caused by sewage effluents and transferred oversight to the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The decision emphasises the tribunal’s specialised role and reinforces the right to clean water under Article 21.

Supreme Court Ends Direct Monitoring of River Pollution:

  • Proceedings closed: The Supreme Court ended its suo motu proceedings initiated in January 2021, which monitored contamination of rivers due to sewage and industrial effluents.

  • Shift to NGT: The Court directed all States, statutory authorities, Pollution Control Boards, and the Centre to submit status reports to the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

  • Avoid duplication: The Court observed that parallel proceedings in the SC and NGT created confusion and procedural overlap, making monitoring inefficient.

  • Tribunal’s expertise recognised: The bench, led by CJI Surya Kant, emphasised that specialised tribunals like the NGT possess technical expertise and institutional capacity to address environmental issues effectively.

  • Reopening tribunal proceedings: The Court permitted the NGT to reopen and continue proceedings, granting it full authority to issue directions based on fresh reports and compliance status.

Background, Judicial Observations, and Environmental Concerns

  • Origin of case: The SC took suo motu cognisance after a Delhi Jal Board (DJB) petition highlighted dangerous ammonia levels in the Yamuna River, caused by untreated effluents from upstream regions.

  • Failure of treatment infrastructure: Existing Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) were insufficient to treat high pollution levels.

  • Tribunal’s continuing responsibility: The Court clarified that the NGT’s role is ongoing, requiring constant monitoring, compliance checks, and corrective directions.

  • Fundamental rights linkage: The SC reiterated that access to clean drinking water is part of the Right to Life under Article 21, making pollution control a constitutional obligation.

  • Institutional coordination: The Court directed municipalities, pollution control boards, and governments to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regularly report progress to the tribunal.

About National Green Tribunal and Environmental Governance:

●  NGT establishment: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was created under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 to ensure effective and speedy disposal of environmental cases.

●  Specialised body: It consists of judicial and expert members, enabling scientific and legal evaluation of environmental disputes.

●  Wide jurisdiction: The NGT deals with cases related to water pollution, air pollution, forest conservation, biodiversity, and environmental protection laws.

●  Binding powers: It can issue binding orders, impose penalties, and direct authorities to implement pollution control measures.

●  Constitutional linkage: Environmental protection is connected with Article 21 (Right to Life) and supported by Directive Principles such as Article 48A and Fundamental Duty under Article 51A(g).