Environmental Governance and access to environmental justice in India a study on the role of pollution control boards and national green tribunal

Abstract

newline This thesis critically examines the framework of environmental governance in India, with a newlinespecial focus on the role of Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) and the National Green Tribunal newline(NGT) in ensuring access to environmental justice. It investigates the evolution, legal newlinearchitecture, and institutional mechanisms governing environmental protection, emphasizing newlinetheir performance, accountability, and public engagement. Using doctrinal analysis and newlineempirical field data from NGT branches and select State Pollution Control Boards, the research newlineidentifies significant gaps in enforcement, coordination, and transparency. The study highlights newlinehow procedural complexities, limited autonomy of PCBs, and jurisdictional challenges within newlinethe NGT hinder effective environmental justice delivery. Particular attention is given to the newlinesocio-legal impacts of landmark judgments and policy interventions, as well as barriers faced newlineby marginalized communities in accessing environmental remedies. The thesis proposes a set newlineof reforms, including statutory amendments, increased funding, digital monitoring tools, and newlinecommunity-based grievance redressal models. Drawing insights from international best newlinepractices, especially Australia and New Zealand s environmental tribunals, the study newlinerecommends a more integrated, participatory, and science-based governance approach. This newlineresearch aims to contribute to the development of a resilient environmental justice system newlinealigned with constitutional values and sustainable development goals in India