Protection of Environment as a Fundamental Duty

Abstract

At the time when India secured 168th rank globally in environment protection index, environment protection has become a serious issue for all the stakeholders. Environment protection is not the responsibility of a single individual or agency but a collective responsibility of all the stakeholders. Gandhian thought on the protection and preservation of environment guide the legal and regulatory pathway, ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources keeping in view the future generations. Gandhi through his work and life lessons provided meaningful solutions to environmental challenges. Introduction of Article 48A and Article 51A (g) in the Constitution of India is the foundation stone for developing environment jurisprudence in India. Part IV-A of the Constitution of India imposes obligation upon citizens to protect and preserve natural resources. India has enacted laws dealing with environmental protection after the Stockholm Conference, making significant contribution in the overall environmental jurisprudence. In addition to the enactment of laws, Indian judiciary has also played a pivotal role by issuing directions from time to time making a remarkable contribution in further developing environmental jurisprudence in India.