Set up under the National Green Tribunal Act of 2010, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a specialized body that handles cases related to environmental protection, conservation of forests, and other natural resources. In this article, we will delve into its involvement with the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO).
In March 2018, the INO, a significant scientific research facility, was given environmental clearance for its proposed construction in Tamil Nadu’s Bodi West Hills. However, the NGT has recently upheld this clearance, citing a need for approval from the National Board of Wildlife before further implementation can occur.
The Environmental Concerns Surrounding INO
Environmentalists have raised concerns about the impact of the INO’s large-scale underground construction on the Western Ghats, an ecologically fragile area. They predict that the controlled blasts necessary for construction, and their subsequent vibrations, could adversely affect the surrounding environment.
The proposed site of the INO is close to the Mathikettan Shola National Park, the Kerala-Tamilnadu border, and a number of hydroelectric projects – major contributors to Kerala’s electricity generation.
Understanding Neutrinos
Neutrinos are tiny elementary particles that are not part of the atom. Despite their minuscule mass and lack of charge, they exist naturally in the universe and play a key role in various phenomena. They are difficult to detect due to their weak interaction with other matter particles and can originate from multiple sources, such as the sun, other stars, cosmic rays from beyond our solar system, the Big Bang, and laboratory production.
The Purpose of the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO)
With the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research as the nodal institution, the INO project aims to build a world-class underground laboratory to conduct basic research on neutrinos. Jointly built with the Department of Atomic Energy and the Department of Science and Technology, the observatory will be situated underground to shield the neutrino detector from cosmic background radiation.
Assuredly, the operation of the INO will not involve a release of radioactive or toxic substances or have any strategic or defense applications.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Neutrinos | Neutrinos are tiny elementary particles that exist naturally in the universe. |
| INO | The INO is a proposed scientific research facility focused on studying atmospheric neutrinos. |
| NGT | The NGT is a specialized body that handles environmental cases. It upholds environmental clearances for projects like the INO. |
Future Applications of Neutrino Science
Research into the properties of neutrinos can have various practical applications. Like electrons, which had no apparent uses when discovered a century ago but are now integral to electronics, neutrinos could potentially offer valuable insights into various fields, including the study of the sun and the universe, early universe probing, and even medical imaging.
About National Green Tribunal
The NGT was established to provide speedy resolution to environmental disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues. It operates on principles of natural justice and is not bound by procedures laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. The Tribunal aims to reduce the burden of litigation in higher courts through its dedicated jurisdiction in environmental matters and is mandated to dispose of applications or appeals finally within six months of filing them. Currently, the NGT has its principal place of sitting in New Delhi, with four other locations in Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai.