Previous Year Question
In which of the following provisions for the protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wild life are found in the Constitution of India?
Only in the Directive Principles of State Policy
Only in Fundamental Duties
Both (a) and (b)
None of the above
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
The Constitution of India contains provisions relating to the protection of the environment, forests and wildlife in both the Directive Principles of State Policy and the Fundamental Duties. Therefore, restricting the answer to either one alone would be incorrect.
Article 48A, contained in Part IV—Directive Principles of State Policy, directs the State to endeavour to protect and improve the environment and safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country. It places a directive responsibility upon the State.
On the other hand, Article 51A(g) is contained in Part IVA—Fundamental Duties. It makes it the duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
An important fact is that both Article 48A and Article 51A(g) are associated with the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976. The same Amendment also inserted Part IVA containing the Fundamental Duties.
Thus, the useful association is—Article 48A = environmental duty of the State; Article 51A(g) = environmental duty of citizens.