The National Environmental Appellate Authority Act was enacted on 22nd May 1997.

The main objective of the National Environmental Appellate Authority Act is to provide for the establishment of a National Environmental Appellate Authority.

The Chairperson of the National Environmental Appellate Authority is the Chief Justice of India.

There are 5 members in the National Environmental Appellate Authority.

The members of the National Environmental Appellate Authority must be experts in environmental law, have at least 10 years of experience in the field of environment, and be retired judges of the Supreme Court or High Courts.

The National Environmental Appellate Authority has the power to hear and decide appeals against orders passed by the Central Government or State Governments under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to review and monitor the implementation of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and to advise the Central Government and State Governments on matters relating to the environment.

The appeal must be filed within 30 days from the date of the order appealed against, accompanied by a fee of Rs. 10,000, and filed in the prescribed form.

The National Environmental Appellate Authority must decide an appeal within 9 months from the date of filing of the appeal.

An order passed by the National Environmental Appellate Authority is binding on both the Central Government and State Governments and the parties to the appeal.

An appeal can be filed against an order passed by the National Environmental Appellate Authority to the Supreme Court.

The National Environmental Appellate Authority Act, 1997 provides for a specialized forum for the resolution of environmental disputes, ensures the speedy disposal of environmental appeals, and promotes transparency and accountability in environmental decision-making.

The National Environmental Appellate Authority faces challenges such as lack of adequate financial resources, shortage of qualified staff, and political interference.

Some of the suggestions for improving the functioning of the National Environmental Appellate Authority include increasing the financial resources of the Authority, recruiting more qualified staff, and providing the Authority with more independence.

The National Environmental Appellate Authority is likely to play an increasingly important role in the resolution of environmental disputes in the future.