NGT court takes suo motu cognisance of T.N. gas leak
- The southern bench of the NGT recently initiated suo motu cognisance of an ammonia gas leak from Coromandel International Limited, a fertiliser manufacturing unit in Ennore.
- Residents in Periakuppam, Ernavur, and Burma Nagar report breathlessness, eye, and skin irritation following the leakage.
Serious Health Concerns
- TNPCB inspection reveals ammonia levels in the air at 3 ppm, exceeding the allowed 24-hour average.
- Ammonia levels are categorized as 'severe' by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) at more than 1,800 microgram/m3 (24-hour average).
- High ammonia levels may have acute respiratory effects on healthy individuals and pose serious health risks for those with lung and heart diseases.
National Green Tribunal (NGT)
- It is a specialised body set up under the National Green Tribunal Act (2010) for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.
- With the establishment of the NGT, India became the third country in the world to set up a specialised environmental tribunal, only after Australia and New Zealand
- NGT is guided by the principles of 'natural justice'.
- It is mandated to make disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing the same.
- An order/decision/award of Tribunal is executable as a decree of a civil court.
- An appeal against order/decision/ award of the NGT lies to the Supreme Court, generally within ninety days from the date of communication.
- The NGT deals with civil cases under the seven laws related to the environment, these include:
- The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974,
- The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977,
- The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980,
- The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981,
- The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986,
- The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 and
- The Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
Structure of NGT
- The Tribunal comprises the Chairperson, the Judicial Members and Expert Members.
- They shall hold office for a term of three years or till the age of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier
- They are not eligible for reappointment.
- The Chairperson is appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
- A Selection Committee shall be formed by the central government to appoint the Judicial Members and Expert Members.
Prelims Takeaway
- National Green Tribunal (NGT)
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- Ammonia