ISS Previous Year Paper 2016 GS Solution Q.4(e) Impact of the 42nd Constitutional Amendment on Environmental Protection
- Gajender Raaz
- 21 hours ago
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ISS Previous Year Paper 2016 GS Solution Q.4(e) Impact of the 42nd Constitutional Amendment on Environmental Protection. Detailed answer discussing how the amendment strengthened environmental conservation and sustainable development in India.
ISS Previous Year Paper 2016 GS Solution
Q.4(e) Analyse the impact of the Constitution (42nd Amendment) Act on environmental protection and improvement.
Answer :
The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 marked a significant step in strengthening environmental protection in India. Recognizing the growing importance of ecological conservation, the amendment introduced provisions that made environmental protection a constitutional responsibility.
One of the most important changes was the insertion of Article 48A under the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs), which directs the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife.
The amendment also added Article 51A(g) under the Fundamental Duties, making it the duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to show compassion for living creatures.
These provisions provided a strong constitutional basis for environmental legislation and judicial activism. Several laws, such as the Environment Protection Act, 1986, were strengthened by this constitutional framework. The judiciary has also relied on these provisions while expanding environmental rights under Article 21 (Right to Life).
The amendment encouraged greater public awareness, improved environmental governance, and promoted the concept of sustainable development in India.
Conclusion
The 42nd Constitutional Amendment significantly enhanced India's environmental protection framework by imposing responsibilities on both the State and citizens. It laid the foundation for modern environmental governance and continues to guide conservation efforts and sustainable development policies in the country.
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