THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL: A PARADIGM SHIFT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO AIR POLLUTION

The green courts system for environmental justice has now been established in India, making it the third nation worldwide. Although the idea of environmental protection is not new in India, its roots can be found further back in time, including Bishnoi Movement in 1700's, the famous Chipko movement that started in 1973 in the Uttarakhand to save trees, Silent Valley Movement 1978, Jungle Bachao Andholan in 1982, Appiko Movement in 1983, Narmada Bachao Andholan in 1985 and Tehri Dam Conflict in 1990's. However, in today's world where air pollution levels are alarmingly high and people are dying as a result, environmental justice has become a pressing issue. There has been growing concern about the issue of atmospheric pollution in our nation over the past few years. Air pollution is a threat that no longer just affects major or metropolitan areas. Since the National Green Tribunal is one of the official authorities to control this threat, it cannot be disputed that they play a crucial and significant role in reducing air pollution. This paper aims to discuss the National Green Tribunal's initiative in combating air pollution and how it overcame challenges in the process. The study discussed some of the significant legal provisions contained in the National Green Tribunal Act and also identified the problems that prevent the National Green Tribunal from achieving its objective of a pollution-free environment.