Section 15 of NGT : Section 15: Relief, Compensation And Restitution

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where a chemical factory in a small town has an accident, leading to a significant hazardous substance leak. This accident causes severe environmental damage, polluting the local river and causing health issues for the town's residents, and also damaging their properties.

In this case, under Section 15 of The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010:

1. The victims of the pollution can approach the Tribunal seeking relief and compensation for their health issues and property damage caused by the chemical leak (clause a and b).
2. The Tribunal can also order the factory to restore the damaged environment, such as cleaning up the polluted river (clause c).
3. This compensation would be in addition to any relief that the victims might receive under the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991.
4. The victims need to file their claims within five years from the date of the accident. However, if they were unable to do so for a valid reason, the Tribunal might allow an additional 60 days for filing the claim.
5. The Tribunal can divide the compensation under various heads, considering the damage to public health, property, and the environment.
6. Finally, any claimant who has also filed applications or received compensation from other courts or authorities for the same incident must inform the Tribunal about it.