Justice Bobde on two-day tour of Mizoram, first CJI in 30 years to visit

Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde arrived in Aizawl on Monday on a two-day visit to the Northeastern state.

This is the first time in 30 years that a chief justice is visiting Mizoram.

Justice Bobde took part in a programme, 'Meet on Green Mizoram', at the conference hall of the Mizoram assembly in the afternoon.

Chief Minister Zoramthanga, Law Minister TJ Lalnuntluanga, two judges of the Gauhati High Court -- Justice Michael Zothankhuma and Justice Nelson Sailo, among others, attended the event.

Speaking at the programme, Justice Bobde said the role of the judiciary goes beyond that of merely responding to an environmental crisis.

It has a significant responsibility in upholding the environmental laws, he said.

Wherever there is an opportunity, the judiciary should make its contribution in promoting compliance with the best principles of environmental conservation and sustainable development, Justice Bobde said.

Emphasising the importance of preservation and conservation of the environment, the chief justice said the environment is one issue that concerns all generations.

He further noted that understanding how the environment works and keeping it healthy requires knowledge and skills in many disciplines.

It is an interdisciplinary field that integrates Biology, Ecology, Earth Science, Geography, Atmospheric Science, Mathematics, among others, he said.

The chief minister said it is necessary that environmental protection and economic growth go hand in hand in the march towards development.

He also pointed out the state government's measures in developing bamboo resources, stating that Mizoram was committed to the preservation of the environment.