T.N. strengthens ties with National Green Tribunal for a greener future, says Minister

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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has significantly contributed to enhancing accountability and environmental law, ensuring that the right to a healthy environment is a practical reality, according to Thangam Thennarasu, the Minister for Finance, Environment and Climate Change in Tamil Nadu. Speaking at the Regional Conference on Environment-2025 in Chennai, he emphasized the state’s commitment to collaborating with the NGT to develop legally sound and environmentally responsible solutions.

Thennarasu highlighted Tamil Nadu’s proactive measures in environmental conservation, noting the recent notification of eight new wildlife sanctuaries, marking the fastest expansion of protected areas in the state’s history. This includes India’s first Slender Loris Sanctuary and the Dugong Conservation Reserve, which are vital for ecological connectivity and the protection of endangered species.

He also mentioned Tamil Nadu’s extensive coastline, rich in coral, seagrass, and mangrove ecosystems, and announced the establishment of the Marine Resource Foundation (MRF). This institution will focus on marine research, blue carbon studies, and planning for coastal resilience to protect the delicate coastal environment.

NGT Chairperson Prakash Shrivastava stated that the conference aimed to tackle the unique environmental challenges faced by South India. He stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration among state pollution control boards, local bodies, and scientific institutions to effectively address these shared environmental issues.