Xavier Law School (XLS) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised a seminar on ‘People’s participation in environmental safeguards’ on April 1, 2022. The key speakers were Hon’bleJustice B.Amit Sthalekar, Judicial Member, National Green Tribunal (NGT), Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata;Saibal Dasgupta, Expert Member, NGT Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata and Subhayu Banerjee, Ld. Registrar, NGT, Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata.

The inaugural address was delivered by Prof. Ashis Mitra,Registrar, SXUK. While introducing the theme of the seminar, Dr. Utpal Kumar Raha emphasized on the theme of World Environment Day 2022 ‘Only one Earth’ and role of the common people in addressing environmental degradation.

Hon’bleJustice Sthalekar spoke on many important aspects related sustainable development practised and discussed over the years. He mentioned about the UN Conference on the Human Environment (1972), First World Climate Conference (1979) and the principle of ‘Polluter pays’. He also stressed on the precautionary measures to save the Mother Earth.

Saibal Dasgupta extensively focused on the role of NGT with respect to forestry & environmental issues like climate change mitigation, importance of mangrove trees, bio mining, solid waste management system, etc.

Subhayu Banerjee deliberated on the Plachimada Coca-Cola struggle in Palakkad district, Kerala. He successfully established the idea of ‘One environment for all’ as every species are responsible for striking an ecological balance.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Pratyusha Das, Dean, XLS.