HPAS/ N.T. Allied Mains 2022-23 Answer Writing Challenge: Model Answer

Question: What are the provisions made in the Indian Constitution for protecting and preserving the environment? (4 Marks, 60 Words)

Answer: 

A.Directive Principles of State Policy

• Under Article 48-A, it is the duty of the state to safeguard the country’s forests and wildlife, and to maintain and promote the environment. E.g., It was determined that residents of the nation had a basic right to a healthy, clean, and decent environment in Sher Singh v. Himachal Pradesh.
• According to Article 47, one of the State’s fundamental responsibilities is to “raise the level of nutrition, the standard of living, and the state of the public health of its people.” Public health must be improved through environmental protection and development.

A.Fundamental Duties

• Under Article 51-A it is the responsibility of every Indian citizen to preserve and enhance the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and animals, as well as to have compassion for all living things.

A.Fundamental Right

• Article 19(1) has also been interpreted by the Supreme Court to address the threat of noise pollution. In the PA Jacob case, 1993, the court upheld the position that using loudspeakers or sound amplifiers is not protected under Article 19(1).
• Under Article 21, the court has repeatedly ruled that this act inherently guarantees the right to an environment, free from the threat of disease and infection.