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National Green Tribunal takes suo motu cognizance of rapid growth of Himalayan glacial lakes

The National Green Tribunal has taken suo motu cognizance of the rapid expansion of Himalayan glacial lakes, which have grown by 10.81% over the past 13 years, due to rising temperatures and accelerated retreat of glaciers caused by climate change.

This original application is registered suo-motu on the basis of a news item dated November 4, 2024. 

The NGT, Principal Bench, comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, and Dr A Senthil Vel, Expert Member, noted that the expansion of these lakes poses a heightened risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), which can have catastrophic consequences for downstream communities, infrastructure, and biodiversity. 

The Tribunal observed that the news item raises substantial issues relating to compliance with environmental norms and implementation of the provisions of scheduled enactments, including the Biodiversity Act, 2002; Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986.

The NGT has impleaded the GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Central Pollution Control Board as respondents in the matter. 

The Tribunal has directed the respondents to file their responses/replies by way of affidavit at least one week before the next date of hearing.

The NGT has listed the matter for hearing on March 10, 2025.

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