NGT vital to balance environment and economic growth: Ansari

New Delhi: Vice President Hamid Ansari Friday said the National Green Tribunal (NGT) will have to play a vital role in maintaining the balance between environmental conservation and economic growth for the sustainability of India`s development.

"There is a two-way relationship between environment and economic growth...It is, therefore, crucial that we find the fine balance between environmental conservation and economic growth for the sustainability of our development agenda. "It is in this context, that the role of the National Green Tribunal, as an effective and efficient adjudicator, to maintain this precarious balance between the environment and sustainable development and providing speedy justice is of vital importance today," the Vice President said. Ansari was speaking at the Third Foundation Day as well as the inauguration of the new premises of NGT, which has shifted to Faridkot House in Lutyens Delhi from its makeshift arrangements at two separate locations here. He said that on one hand people "cry hoarse" over the paralysis in execution of the much-needed developmental projects due to environmental concerns, while on the other "legitimate concerns" have been raised by environmentalists "who have brought to light the inexcusable and irreparable damage caused to the ecosystem due to human greed and wasteful consumption". He said that in such a situation, the challenge is to find a common ground and pave the right way forward which incorporates all dimensions of sustainable development ?- environmental, economic and social -- in a balanced way and the NGT "will have to play the role of the independent referee and facilitator, inspired by law and principles of natural justice." The Vice President also praised the work done so far by the NGT saying "this is a commendable beginning for the tribunal in the early years since its creation and deserves to be applauded".