SC to examine need for environmental regulator
- The Supreme Court on Wednesday (August 21, 2024) decided to examine the need for a ‘permanent environmental regulator.
Highlights:
- The Supreme Court of India has recently initiated a discussion on the necessity of establishing a 'permanent environmental regulator,' akin to those in sectors like telecom (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, TRAI) and electricity (Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, CERC). This move has sparked a significant debate regarding the potential benefits and challenges of such a regulatory body in managing India's environmental and climate challenges.
Current Regulatory Framework
- India's environmental regulatory landscape is currently fragmented, with various bodies operating in specific areas. These include:
- National Green Tribunal (NGT): Adjudicates on environmental issues.
- Ministries: Such as the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), which oversees policy and implementation.
- Central Empowered Committee: Advises the Supreme Court on environmental issues.
- National Board for Wildlife: Manages wildlife-related matters.
- State-level Authorities: Involved in local environmental governance.
Arguments Against a Permanent Environmental Regulator
- Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati said the existing system had specific regulators who were experts in their fields of environmental and climate change study.
- Another regulator would only add another layer. It would be a duplication, and anyway, issues have to go to experts. For wildlife, we have the standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife,” Ms. Bhati explained.
Mining Activities:
- Justice Gavai’s Bench, in a separate application, also asked the Centre to consider whether mining activities could be prohibited in areas declared conservation reserves and community reserves
Prelims takeaways:
- NGT