Lok Sabha on Friday passed a bill for setting up of a ‘national green tribunal’ for the quick and effective disposal of over 5,000 environment-related issues pending before various courts.
Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh, while replying to a debate on the Bill, said the Tribunal should be located in Bhopal, the site of humanity's one of the worst industrial tragedies. "This way, the government and Parliament can show some sensitivity (towards the people)," he said.

Ramesh said the bill would address 90 per cent of the concerns expressed by members. The proposed legislation sought to give opportunities to individuals to approach the Tribunal. He said the Tribunal will have at least ten judicial members and will not be allowed to become a "parking place for retired bureaucrats."
Ramesh said the aim of the panel will be to break deadlocks and rules governing its functioning will be put up on the website of the environment and forest ministry. He said the rules will also be tabled in Parliament so that the members can have their views.

The minister also allayed fears that Schedule-I of the Act will allow the government to amend Acts like the Forest Conservation Act. He said the members were "misreading" the provisions. He said the Tribunal will have four benches across the country. "Courts will go to the people. People won't have to come to the courts," Ramesh said.

He said if the workload of the benches increases, he would request Law Minister M Veerappa Moily to increase the number at a later date.
The Union Cabinet had cleared the bill in December 2009 after the standing committee examined it and submitted its recommendations in November last.
With public interest litigations on environmental issues flooding the courts, the proposed legislation aims to take off the pressure by handling all civil cases relating to forestry and environment.