The main principal bench of the National Green Tribunal NGT in India is located in which city?

Introduction / Context:
The National Green Tribunal is a specialised judicial body set up in India for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection, conservation of forests and other natural resources. Knowing where its main principal bench is located is part of basic Indian polity and environment related general knowledge.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The institution mentioned is the National Green Tribunal, commonly abbreviated as NGT. - The question asks about the location of its main bench, also called the principal bench. - The options list Delhi, Pune, Lucknow and Bhopal as possible cities. - We assume awareness that NGT also has regional benches, but the question is specifically about the main one.

Concept / Approach:
The NGT principal bench is located in New Delhi, the capital of India. While the Tribunal has zonal benches in cities like Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai to cover different regions, the central and most important bench operates from Delhi. Most landmark NGT orders and high profile environmental cases are heard at the principal bench in Delhi, which is why exam questions generally expect Delhi as the answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the headquarters of many national level tribunals and commissions are based in New Delhi. Step 2: Specifically remember that the National Green Tribunal principal bench functions from Delhi, handling matters with nationwide implications. Step 3: Note that Pune hosts a western zonal bench of the NGT but is not the site of the principal bench. Step 4: Similarly, Bhopal and other cities are used for regional benches or circuit benches for convenience of litigants. Step 5: Therefore, select Delhi as the correct city where the main bench is located.

Verification / Alternative check:
Official information from the National Green Tribunal and government websites clearly states that the principal bench is situated in New Delhi. Maps and contact details for NGT benches list Delhi as the headquarters address, while other cities appear under regional or zonal bench headings. Competitive exam guides on environment and ecology also mention that the NGT principal bench is in Delhi, confirming the expected answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Pune does have an NGT bench, but it is a regional bench, not the principal bench. Lucknow is a major city in Uttar Pradesh but does not host the NGT principal bench. Bhopal is associated with an NGT bench for the central region, yet the main bench remains in Delhi.

Common Pitfalls:
Students who have heard of an NGT bench in another city, such as Pune or Bhopal, may mistakenly assume that this city must be the head office location. The word main or principal in the question is a crucial clue pointing towards Delhi. To avoid confusion, it helps to memorise a short list of principal bench locations for important tribunals and differentiate them from their regional benches.

Final Answer:
The main principal bench of the National Green Tribunal is located in Delhi.