Sun Dec 07 10:23:45 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and rewritten news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
Justice R. Mahadevan of the Supreme Court emphasized the constitutional right to a healthy environment at the valedictory session of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) Regional Conference on Environment-2025 in Chennai. He stressed the importance of moving beyond reactive administration to preventive governance and consistent compliance with environmental laws. Other speakers highlighted the need for effective enforcement, biodiversity conservation, bringing policy into action, focusing on local communities and all species (not just big ones), and the crucial role of the NGT in upholding environmental rights.
News Article:
Supreme Court Justice Champions Environmental Rights at NGT Conference in Chennai
CHENNAI, December 7, 2025 – Justice R. Mahadevan of the Supreme Court of India today declared environmental protection a constitutional guarantee, not just a technical obligation, while speaking at the valedictory session of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) Regional Conference on Environment-2025 in Chennai.
“Clear air, safe water, ecological balance and the preservation of natural heritage are integral to Article 21. They are not privileges for a few but entitlements for all,” stated Justice Mahadevan, emphasizing that these rights are only meaningful when institutions act with integrity and vigilance.
The two-day conference, organized by the NGT Southern Zone Bench and Southern State Pollution Control Boards and Committees, focused on environmental law enforcement and biodiversity conservation. Justice Mahadevan urged a shift towards systemic reform and preventive governance, stressing that the challenge lies not in the lack of environmental laws, but in consistent compliance and implementation.
Additional Solicitor General of India, AR.L. Sundaresan, highlighted the conference’s focus on these critical areas, while Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to the Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests, emphasized the importance of bringing policy into action. She also underscored the State government’s initiatives, including the Tamil Nadu Green Mission and Green Fellowship Programme, advocating for the protection of local communities and all species, irrespective of size.
NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava presented an analysis of the conference proceedings. The speakers all reinforced the crucial role of the NGT in upholding environmental rights, mandating responsible waste management, and ensuring accountability. Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana, Judicial Member of the NGT, Southern Zone Bench, delivered the welcome address, setting the stage for the important discussions that took place over the last two days. The conference concluded with a call for sustained institutional responsibility to drive environmental governance effectively.
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