The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2025 addressed a spectrum of critical environmental issues, demonstrating its commitment to upholding environmental regulations and ensuring public health. The NGT's interventions ranged from addressing alarming levels of faecal coliform bacteria in the waters of Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh to mandating the desilting of drains in Delhi, reflecting the breadth of its environmental oversight.

One of the most pressing issues tackled by the NGT was the high level of faecal coliform bacteria detected in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers during the Maha Kumbh. A report submitted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed that the coliform levels, key indicators of sewage contamination, were drastically higher than the permissible limits for safe bathing. In some stretches, the levels exceeded the standards by as much as 1,400 times in the Ganga and 660 times in the Yamuna, rendering the water unfit for bathing. This contamination posed a significant threat to public health, with the potential for waterborne diseases to spread among the millions of pilgrims participating in the Kumbh Mela. The NGT took a strong stance, summoning Uttar Pradesh government authorities and rebuking the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) for submitting outdated and inadequate information. The Tribunal directed the UPPCB to submit recent water samples and a comprehensive action-taken report within a week. The NGT emphasized the urgency of maintaining critical water quality standards and ensuring environmental sustainability, highlighting the non-compliance with previous directives.

In another significant intervention, the NGT addressed the issue of inadequate desilting of drains in Delhi, which contributes to flooding during the monsoon season. The Tribunal directed the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (I&FCD) of the Delhi government to complete the desilting of 24 drains by May 31 to mitigate the risk of flooding. The NGT also mandated the Additional Chief Secretary of I&FCD to submit an undertaking guaranteeing the completion of the desilting work within the stipulated timeline. While some drains showed substantial progress in desilting, others lagged behind, prompting the NGT to closely monitor the progress and ensure adherence to the timeline. The NGT's proactive intervention underscores the importance of efficient drain management in preventing urban flooding and safeguarding citizens' well-being.

Beyond these specific cases, the NGT also addressed a range of other environmental issues in 2025. These included the decline in forest cover in Assam, the proliferation of invasive fish species, illegal construction in forest areas, the enforcement of plastic waste management rules, and illegal sand mining. The NGT's interventions reflect its broad mandate to protect the environment and ensure compliance with environmental laws. The Tribunal's powers include the ability to take suo motu action on environmental matters, impose penalties, and issue binding orders. By actively addressing these diverse environmental challenges, the NGT is playing a crucial role in promoting environmental justice and sustainable development in India.