#NGT environmental law

The National Green Tribunal ruled that an oral inspection notice under Section 21(3) of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act is legally sufficient only when an authorized agent of the unit is present and does not object, reinforcing procedural fairness in pollution enforcement. This clarifies the threshold for admissibility of environmental samples and invalidates compensation calculated on flawed default periods without proper notice.

NGT rules that construction on the Ganga floodplain without NMCG approval violates the River Ganga Rejuvenation Order, 2016, and imposes environmental compensation. The judgment mandates joint inspections and underscores the statutory duty of authorities to prevent unauthorized development in protected zones, affecting infrastructure projects and environmental compliance nationwide.

NGT Pune ruled that tree felling notices under the Maharashtra Tree Act must strictly include statutory details like heritage tree status and procedural compliance. Omission of these details renders notices invalid, setting a precedent for procedural rigor in environmental clearances affecting urban greenery and heritage conservation.