Environment minister Jairam Ramesh today hoped that the bill on National Green Tribunal (NGT) would ensure speedy and effective disposal of civil cases relating to violation of forest and other similar laws.

The Bill was introduced yesterday by the government but could not be taken up for further discussion today with Lok Sabha being adjourned till April 12 amid uproar over the issue of BSP's anniversary celebrations in Lucknow.

Even as the BJP has demanded a relook at some of the provisions of the Bill, Ramesh was confident that when cleared, it would be a first major step forward in providing judicial remedy to persons suffering from environmental damages due to non-implementation of laws. The main opposition party has objected to provisions such as levying of costs on litigants.

"It would be unconstitutional and would discourage environment-friendly people from coming forward with their issues related to ecology," according to the BJP. However, Ramesh said, "The tribunal ensures a network of specialised environment courts with a central bench and four other benches across the country, which, for the first time would give citizens civil damages for non-implementation of environment rules and legislations."

The Central Pollution Control Board will approach the NGT on behalf of affected persons for grant of relief or compensation or settlement of disputes. "We are also taking steps to establish National Environment Protection Authority (NEPA) which would be an independent executive body looking after issuing of licenses to the industry and other developmental projects," he said.

It would be broadly on line of the US EPA and its mandate would be to ensure compilance of environmental laws and regulations, Ramesh added.

"We will bring a bill to set up NEPA in the next session," the minister said.