The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to clarify the operational status of two crucial bodies formed to tackle the health impacts of environmental degradation. The tribunal has asked the ministry to submit official records and minutes of meetings for these committees.
NGT's Directive During Hearing
The order was issued on January 7 during a hearing before a bench led by Justice Prakash Shrivastava. The tribunal noted submissions from the amicus curiae indicating that both the apex committee on environmental health and the working group on environmental health were constituted on October 13, 2016. The NGT has now sought clear answers on whether these bodies are still functioning or if they have been reconstituted since their formation.
This directive follows an affidavit filed by the ministry in 2023, where it informed the tribunal that both committees were operational. The NGT is now demanding documented proof to support this claim.
Origin of the Case and Ministry's Stance
The tribunal initiated this case suo motu, taking notice of media reports and scientific research linking air pollution to severe health outcomes. Specific reports published by The Times of India titled "Feeling anxious? Toxic air could be a blame" and "Delhi, Chennai studies hint at pollution link to diabetes" were cited in the proceedings, highlighting connections between toxic air and conditions like anxiety and diabetes.
In response, the ministry had earlier stated that it established an environmental health cell to address nationwide environmental health issues. It described a two-tier structure:
- An Apex Committee: This body is co-chaired by the Secretary and the Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). It includes representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labour, Public Health Foundation of India, ICMR, the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, and the environment ministry itself. Its role is to provide guidance for formulating environmental health strategies, review related activities, and advise the working group.
- A Working Group: This group operates under the joint chairmanship of ICMR and the environment ministry. It comprises representatives from institutions like the Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, National Institute of Occupational Health, All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, and AIIMS. Its mandate is to identify key focus areas in environmental health and evaluate relevant projects.
Next Steps and Implications
The ministry must now place the minutes of these committees' meetings on record, providing transparency about their activities and deliberations. The matter is scheduled for its next hearing on January 20.
This move by the NGT underscores the growing judicial scrutiny over institutional mechanisms meant to combat the public health crisis fueled by air pollution and environmental damage. It seeks to ensure that the panels formed with significant mandates are not just existing on paper but are actively working to safeguard citizens' health.
