Supreme Court: NGT Must Have Concern for Environment

What Is The Issue

• The Supreme Court expressed dissatisfaction with an order in which a top official of Oil India Ltd was inducted into a panel.
• The panel was set up to suggest remedial actions after assessing the environmental damage caused by the PSU following a major fire in Assam's Baghjan oil well, stating that the NGT must have "some alacrity and concern" for the environment.
• The Court also stayed the order.

What Did The Court Say

• "We are really upset with the way the NGT has handled the situation. It is the National Green Tribunal, thus it must be quick-witted and environmentally conscious. It's possible that we'll make the decision ourselves. We'll listen to you and reassemble the committee—one that may be led by a former Supreme Court judge and comprised of environmental specialists. We'll only undertake that exercise here", a Bench consisting of Justices D Y Chandrachud and M R Shah stated this.
• "The execution of the impugned judgement and order of the NGT dated February 19, 2021 shall be stayed until the next date of listing," the Bench said in issuing notice to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Ministry of Petroleum, Oil India (OIL), and others on the appeal against the NGT verdict.

What Did The Petitioner’s Counsel Say

• On behalf of petitioner activist Bonani Kakkar, Senior Advocate Siddharth Mitra told the Supreme Court that the initial committee had submitted a comprehensive report to the NGT: first, a preliminary report, followed by a progress report, and that the formation of three new committees would only delay the process.
• He told the Supreme Court that a ten-person committee led by the Chief Secretary of Assam has been formed to determine damages and compensation, as well as to restore the Dibru Saikhowa National Park and Wetland. The Managing Director of OIL has been inducted as a member.

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