Overview On December 7, 2025 , Justice R. Mahadevan of the Supreme Court stated that environmental protection is not merely a technical mandate but a constitutional guarantee under Article 21 . This statement was made during his valedictory address at the two-day Regional Conference on Environment-2025 , organized by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) , Southern Zone Bench, Chennai, and the Southern State Pollution Control Boards and Committees in Chennai. Key Points from Justice R. Mahadevan's Address Constitutional Guarantee: Environmental protection is integral to Article 21 , ensuring clear air, safe water, ecological balance, and preservation of natural heritage for all citizens. Institutional Responsibility: Environmental governance should be driven by sustained institutional responsibility, not symbolism. Role of NGT: The National Green Tribunal plays a crucial role in upholding environmental rights, mandating scientific waste management, and ensuring accountability. Implementation Challenges: The primary challenge is the lack of consistent compliance, behavioral change, and disciplined implementation of environmental laws. Conference Highlights Key Discussions Environmental Law Enforcement: The conference devoted attention to environmental law enforcement, biodiversity conservation, and the role of regulatory authorities, as noted by AR.L. Sundaresan , Additional Solicitor General of India, High Court of Madras. Policy Implementation: Supriya Sahu , Additional Chief Secretary to the Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests, highlighted the challenge of translating policy into action. State Government Initiatives: Supriya Sahu mentioned various initiatives by the Tamil Nadu government, including the Tamil Nadu Green Mission and the Green Fellowship Programme. Focus on Biodiversity: Emphasis was placed on protecting not only larger species but also smaller species and local communities. Closing Remarks Analysis of Proceedings: NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava presented the analysis of conference proceedings. Welcome Address: Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana , Judicial Member, NGT, Southern Zone Bench, delivered the welcome address. UPSC Relevance This news article is relevant to the UPSC syllabus, particularly GS Paper 3 (Environment) and GS Paper 2 (Governance) . It highlights the importance of environmental protection, the role of institutions like the NGT, and the challenges in implementing environmental policies. The discussion on biodiversity conservation and the need to protect local communities is also significant. Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants Article 21 and Environment: Understand the constitutional basis for environmental protection in India. Role of NGT: Analyze the functions and impact of the National Green Tribunal. Policy Implementation: Evaluate the challenges in translating environmental policies into action. Biodiversity Conservation: Recognize the importance of protecting all species and local communities.