Gaurav Kumar Bansal, a prominent environmental lawyer and activist, has significantly contributed to disaster management in India, particularly in cases related to COVID-19 compensation and the Kedarnath flood tragedy.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking ex-gratia compensation for the families of deceased victims. The Supreme Court directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to establish guidelines, resulting in a recommended compensation of ₹50,000 per deceased individual.
In the aftermath of the 2013 Kedarnath tragedy, Bansal actively pursued legal action to ensure accountability and compensation for the victims, emphasizing the mismanagement and lack of proper disaster response that exacerbated the floods’ impact.
He has also highlighted the role of unchecked construction and deforestation in increasing the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Bansal’s advocacy focuses on securing justice for victims, influencing disaster management policies, and promoting sustainable development and stricter enforcement of environmental laws.
Through his legal activism, he has significantly impacted disaster management practices in India, ensuring better preparedness and response mechanisms.