President Droupadi Murmu receives the first copy of "Harit Nyayam," the NGT's souvenir marking the Tribunal's environmental governance journey, New Delhi, September 21, 2026

President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday addressed the valedictory session of the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) two-day international conference on “The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics” in New Delhi, with the conference concluding with an emphasis on translating environmental commitments into effective action and strengthening international cooperation.

In her keynote address, President Murmu commended the NGT for its role in strengthening environmental governance and stressed the need to build climate resilience through people-centric and community-based adaptation approaches, including those rooted in traditional knowledge.

The valedictory session was attended by Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power Manohar Lal, Supreme Court Judge Justice B.V. Nagarathna, NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.

During the session, Union Minister Manohar Lal highlighted India’s efforts to balance development with environmental sustainability. He said non-fossil fuel sources now account for nearly 55 per cent of India’s installed generation capacity, adding that the country had achieved its target of 50 per cent non-fossil capacity five years ahead of schedule.

He also highlighted initiatives relating to sustainable urban development, water security, public transport, green mobility and electric vehicles, while stressing the need for collective action to address climate change.

Justice Nagarathna highlights ecocentric approach

Justice B.V. Nagarathna said environmental governance must strike a balance between development and conservation, present requirements and the interests of future generations. She also highlighted the differentiated impact of environmental challenges on different communities and generations, and referred to the Supreme Court’s shift towards an ecocentric approach.

Justice Nagarathna stressed the importance of effective institutions, enforcement, transparency, accountability and access to justice in environmental governance. She further said interconnected challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and water scarcity required cooperation between jurisdictions, knowledge-sharing and equitable responsibility among nations.

NGT Chairperson calls for laws and Institutions capable of responding to environment al challenges

NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava said the deliberations during the two-day conference had highlighted the need to move beyond merely identifying environmental challenges towards developing laws, institutions and partnerships capable of responding effectively to them.

He emphasised that climate action must remain inclusive and equitable, particularly with regard to vulnerable communities and future generations.

Justice Shrivastava also said environmental law must remain responsive and forward-looking by incorporating technology, innovation, sustainable finance and just transition.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said environmental challenges required the combined expertise of law, governance, science, economics and society. He emphasised the need to balance biodiversity protection with climate action and development through scientific assessment, innovation and sustainable development.

“Environmental protection is not an impediment to human progress but a condition for enduring progress,” he said.

The Solicitor General also stressed the need for stronger institutions, effective implementation and responsible governance.

NGT releases 'Harit Nyayam' Souvenir

During the valedictory session, Manohar Lal released the NGT’s souvenir titled “Harit Nyayam” and presented its first copy to President Murmu.

The souvenir chronicles the establishment, growth and achievements of the Tribunal and serves as a repository of the ideas and perspectives emerging from the conference for policymakers, members of the legal fraternity and citizens.

Conference saw participation from 17 countries

The two-day conference was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 19 and brought together jurists, academicians, policymakers, scientists, environmental experts and other stakeholders from 17 countries, besides representatives of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The conference provided a platform for judicial, scientific, policy and institutional perspectives on environmental and climate challenges, with discussions focusing on sharing best practices and strengthening collaborative action.

The second day featured two technical sessions.

The first, “Planetary Environmental Challenges and Cooperation,” focused on interconnected environmental and climate challenges, shared natural resources, competing national interests, transboundary cooperation and regional and international best practices.

The second session, “Forests for the Future: A Dialogue on Forest Protection & Restoration,” examined forest governance, sustainable forest management, community participation, biodiversity conservation and emerging threats to forests.

The session also considered legal and institutional mechanisms for forest protection, along with the use of technology and scientific and satellite-based monitoring. Discussions included the way forward through a shared vision, priority actions, regional cooperation, institutional partnerships and measurable goals.

The conference concluded with an emphasis on stronger environmental governance, climate justice, institutional cooperation, knowledge exchange and practical approaches to transboundary environmental challenges.

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