Q1. Discuss the fundamental duties provisions pertaining to environment in the Indian Constitution. Discuss the features of National conservation strategy for the conservation of the natural resources.
Key Points:
- Article 51A(g) mandates citizens to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife.
- Fundamental duties, though non-justiciable, guide legislative action and judicial interpretation on environmental matters.
- National Conservation Strategy (NCS) adopted in 1992, aims for sustainable development by integrating environment into planning.
- NCS emphasizes integrating environmental concerns across all sectoral policies and programs for balanced development.
Answer: The Indian Constitution, through its Fundamental Duties, places a direct responsibility on citizens for environmental protection. Article 51A(g), inserted by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, mandates every citizen “to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures.” This constitutional provision highlights the ethical and moral obligation of individuals towards environmental conservation. While fundamental dutie...