Green tribunal launched

India on Tuesday launched National Green Tribunal, a special court to look into all environmental issues, replacing the existing Environment Appellate Authority. Former Supreme Court judge Lokeshwar Singh Panta became the first chairperson of the tribunal having four regional benches to function in
the circuit mode.

The tribunal will have 20 members who are experts in environmental sciences and will have power to issue directions for damages.

"Anybody and everybody can approach the Tribunal to claim civil damages arising out of inadequate implementation of environment laws," environment minister Jairam Ramesh said