Paper: GS-III, Subject: Environment and Ecology, Topic: Indian Initiatives, efforts and Commitments, Issue: NGT Clears Great Nicobar project
Context:
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently given the green light to the ₹92,000 crore Great Nicobar Island mega-infrastructure project.
Tribunal’s Findings
The NGT addressed several applications concerning the environmental clearance, noting the following:
- High-Powered Committee (HPC): NGT upheld the High-Powered Committee formed to address concerns on coral reef protection, turtle nesting habitats, and the project’s presence in ecologically sensitive areas.
- Balanced Approach: The tribunal emphasized the need for a balanced approach, allowing for development while ensuring compliance with the Integrated Coastal Zone Regulation (ICRZ) Notification of 2019.
| About National Green Tribunal (NGT): A specialised judicial body for speedy disposal of environmental disputes, functioning with expertise in environmental science and law. Established in: Set up on 18 October 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 to provide dedicated and time-bound environmental justice. Aim: To ensure effective environmental protection, conservation of natural resources, and provide relief and compensation for environmental damage. Jurisdiction: Handles civil cases involving substantial environmental questions linked to laws listed in Schedule I (e.g., Water Act, Air Act, EPA, Forest Conservation Act, Biodiversity Act). The following important Acts are NOT within NGT’s jurisdiction: Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 Forest Right Act, (FRA), 2006 Has appellate jurisdiction over decisions relating to environmental clearances, pollution control orders, and biodiversity benefit-sharing disputes. |
Environmental Considerations:
The NGT’s ruling included specific directives aimed at protecting the environment:
- Coral Reef Protection: The Environment Ministry has been tasked with implementing measures to protect coral reefs and undertake coral regeneration efforts.
- Shoreline Protection: The project must ensure that there is no erosion of shorelines or loss of turtle nesting beaches.
- Addressing Concerns: The tribunal dismissed claims that the HPC’s terms of reference were too limited, stating that the remaining issues had been adequately addressed.
The NGT’s decision reflects a balance between national strategic interests and environmental protection. The project can boost trade and security, but its success depends on strict ecological safeguards and sustainable implementation.
Source: (The Indian Express, The Hindu)
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2026 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040