National Green Tribunal (NGT)

National Green Tribunal (NGT): Recently, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) submitted a sealed report by the High-Powered Committee (HPC) to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), marking a significant development in the controversial Great Nicobar Island mega infrastructure project.

• About Great Nicobar Island Project : Spearheaded by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO), is a large-scale infrastructure initiative spread across 166 sq km. Its major components include:

o Development of an international container transshipment terminal to enhance maritime trade.

o Construction of a dual-use airport serving both civilian and military purposes.

o Establishment of a 450 MVA gas and solar-based power plant to meet energy needs.

o Creation of a township with housing and amenities for residents and project workers.

• Environmental Concerns: The project requires the diversion of 130 sq km of untouched tropical forest.

o Over one million trees are expected to be cut down raising major ecological concerns.

o Potential damage to fragile coral ecosystems in the project area.

o The project’s location within critical and biodiverse habitats raised red flags.

o The original environmental assessments lacked sufficient baseline data.

• About NGT: Established in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.

o Purpose: Fast-track resolution of cases related to environmental protection, forest conservation, and natural resource management.

o Procedure: Not bound by the Civil Procedure Code, 1908; guided by principles of natural justice.

o Composition: Chairperson: Retired Supreme Court judge ; Judicial Members: Retired High Court judges. Expert Members: Professionals with a minimum of 15 years of experience in environmental or forest-related fields.