Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, recently emphasized the critical role of institutions like the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in upholding environmental justice across the country. Speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the National Conference on Environment 2025, held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, he highlighted the tribunal’s significance in addressing ecological challenges and ensuring a sustainable future.
Reflecting on past environmental disasters, he recalled the devastating Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984 and the prolonged suffering it caused. Stressing the importance of regulatory frameworks, he remarked:
"The Bhopal gas tragedy lesson is still unlearned... Just imagine how pathetic was the lack of awareness. We did not have an institution like NGT back then. Things would have been very different if such a regulatory regime had existed."
He underscored that institutions like the NGT are indispensable for securing the well-being of future generations.
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NGT: A Vision for the Future
Vice President Dhankhar defined the NGT as an institution that bridges the gap between law, science, and ethics to transform humanity’s relationship with nature:
"The way I look at NGT – N for nurturing, G for green, and T for tomorrow. NGT is nurturing green for tomorrow. This is not just wordplay; it is a vision. Let us uphold climate justice with unwavering resolve."
He urged global leaders to transcend political boundaries and prioritize planetary health, asserting that sustainability should be central to human prosperity and well-being.
Vice President Dhankhar also emphasized India’s deep-rooted environmental consciousness, which has been embedded in its traditions for centuries. He stated:
"Long before sustainability became a global buzzword, India lived it. Every Banyan tree was a temple, every river a goddess. Our Vedic literature is a goldmine for nurturing Mother Earth and maintaining harmony between man and nature."
He highlighted the need for self-regulation in natural resource consumption, stressing that economic power should not dictate the exploitation of resources.
"We are not the exclusive owners of this planet. Flora and fauna must flourish alongside us. Our fiscal power cannot determine how we use natural resources – our consumption must be optimal."
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Justice PS Narasimha, who attended the conference as the Guest of Honour, highlighted the importance of platforms like this in addressing environmental concerns. He emphasized that such discussions:
- Promote restoration of the universe to its pristine state.
- Encourage collaborative development among multiple stakeholders.
- Integrate diverse groups to address common environmental issues.
- Foster innovative solutions for climate change.
The inaugural session on March 29 featured an address by the President of India, Shrimati Droupadi Murmu, who stressed the moral responsibility of every citizen in ensuring environmental protection:
"Environmental protection and promotion will only be possible through continuous activism, awareness, and everyone’s participation."
She commended the NGT’s role in delivering climate justice, noting that its landmark decisions have far-reaching impacts on people’s lives, health, and the planet's future.
The two-day conference featured four Technical Sessions, each focusing on a critical environmental issue:
Air Quality Monitoring and Management – Chaired by Justice Joymalya Bagchi
Water Quality Management and River Rejuvenation – Presided over by Justice Pratibha M. Singh
Forest and Biodiversity Conservation – Led by Justice Anand Pathak
Reflections and Key Takeaways – Chaired by Justice PS Narasimha, co-chaired by Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi
These sessions provided in-depth discussions and actionable insights on pressing environmental concerns.
During the event, Vice President Dhankhar released ‘Voices of Nature’, a souvenir book by the NGT, along with an NGT e-Journal, documenting landmark environmental cases. These publications aim to inspire and educate future policymakers and environmentalists.
The conference witnessed participation from several eminent personalities, including:
- Dr. (Smt.) Sudesh Dhankhar, Spouse of the Hon'ble Vice-President of India
- Justice P.S. Narasimha, Judge, Supreme Court of India
- Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, National Green Tribunal
- Shri Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India
- Shri Tanmay Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Their presence reinforced the significance of environmental governance and the collective responsibility toward a sustainable future.
