Central Water Commission’s (CWC) report on Glacial Lakes

• Glacial lakes in the Himalayas have expanded by 10.81% in 13 years due to glacier melting caused by rising temperatures.
• Between 2011 and 2024, India’s glacial lakes grew by 33.7%, highlighting the escalating threat.
• The NGT noted that 67 lakes in India saw a surface area increase of over 40%, marking them as high-risk for GLOFs.
• Key areas of expansion include Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.

• Formed in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act as a statutory body.
• Aimed at addressing environmental issues and ensuring speedy implementation of decisions.
• Known for making significant decisions, including addressing air pollution in Delhi and cancelling coal block clearances.

Composition:

• Headquartered in Delhi.
• Chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge.
• Includes Judicial Members and Expert Panel.

Benches:

• Principal bench in Delhi.
• Additional benches in Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai.

Exceptions:

• Not authorized to hear cases under:
– The Indian Forest Act, 1927
– The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
– State laws related to the protection of trees, forests, etc.

Governing Principles:

• Governed by principles of natural justice, not bound by the Indian Evidence Act.
• Applies the principles of sustainable development, precautionary approach, and the polluter pays principle.

Review and Challenge:

• NGT orders can be reviewed under Rule 22 of NGT Rules.
• Orders can be challenged before the Supreme Court within ninety days.

[2018] How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?

1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.

2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2