ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE AND POLLUTION CONTROL IN MADHYA PRADESH: A CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL AND LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

ABSTRACT Environmental protection has emerged as one of the most significant concerns of modern governance due to the increasing impact of industrialization, urbanization, and resource exploitation on ecological systems. India has experienced rapid economic growth during the last few decades; however, this development has simultaneously generated serious environmental challenges including air pollution, water contamination, land degradation, biodiversity loss, and improper waste management. Madhya Pradesh, often described as the “Heart of India,” possesses vast natural resources including forests, rivers, wildlife habitats, and mineral reserves. Despite its ecological richness, the state faces increasing environmental pressures resulting from industrial expansion, mining operations, thermal power generation, urban growth, and developmental activities. The constitutional commitment towards environmental protection, reinforced through judicial interpretation and legislative action, has led to the establishment of an extensive environmental regulatory framework. The National Green Tribunal (NGT), established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, has emerged as a specialized environmental adjudicatory body aimed at ensuring effective and expeditious disposal of environmental disputes. The Tribunal has significantly contributed to environmental governance by enforcing environmental standards and promoting sustainable development principles. The present study critically examines environmental pollution in Madhya Pradesh with particular reference to statutory environmental laws and the role of the National Green Tribunal. The study evaluates constitutional provisions, environmental legislation, regulatory institutions, and judicial interventions relating to environmental protection. It further analyzes the effectiveness of environmental governance mechanisms and identifies challenges affecting implementation. The study concludes that although India possesses a comprehensive legal framework for environmental protection, greater institutional efficiency, public participation, and effective enforcement mechanisms are required to achieve sustainable environmental management in Madhya Pradesh. Keywords: Environmental Governance, National Green Tribunal, Pollution Control, Madhya Pradesh, Sustainable Development, Environmental Justice.