Clean environment fundamental to right to life: NGT chairperson

Representing India at COP 29, Shrivastava delivered a key address emphasizing the crucial role of the judiciary in upholding environmental laws, particularly in the areas of forest protection, climate change mitigation, and pollution control

New Delhi: National Green Tribunal Principal Bench Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava has said a clean environment is fundamental to right to life.

He was speaking after participating in the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP 29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 15 to 16.

Representing India at COP 29, the NGT Chairperson delivered a key address emphasizing the crucial role of the judiciary in upholding environmental laws, particularly in the areas of forest protection, climate change mitigation, and pollution control, a statement said.

He noted that judicial mechanisms are vital in holding governments and industries accountable for their environmental obligations, ensuring compliance with international agreements, and fostering a culture of sustainability.

He called for increased collaboration between national courts and international legal frameworks to address the interconnected challenges of climate change and environmental degradation.

The event brought together signatories from around the world to address urgent global challenges related to climate change and environmental sustainability, the statement said.