The need for protection and conservation of environment and
sustainable use of natural resources is reflected in the
constitutional framework of India and also in the international
commitments of India. The Constitution under Part IVA (Art
51A-Fundamental Duties) casts a duty on every citizen of India to
protect and improve the natural environment including forests,
lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living
creatures. Further, the Constitution of India under Part IV (Art
48A-Directive Principles of State Policies) stipulates that the
State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to
safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.
Several environment protection legislations existed even before
Independence of India. However, the true thrust for putting in
force a well-developed framework came only after the UN Conference
on the Human Environment (Stockholm, 1972). After the Stockholm
Conference, the National Council for
