Context

The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has recognized access to a clean and healthy environment as a ‘fundamental right’ in Geneva, Switzerland.

About

What is ‘right to clean environment’?

• The right to a clean environment was centered on the Stockholm Declaration of 1972.
  • The Declaration emphasizes the "right to life, liberty and security of person, and the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms".
• Fifty years later, the declaration has been legally recognized.

Environmental Management in India

• Article 21 of the Constitution of India states: 'No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.
• The Indian Parliament has enacted a number of laws to protect and improve the environment.
  • Wildlife (protection) Act, 1972
  • Water (prevention and control of pollution) Act, 1974
  • The forest (conservation) Act, 1989
  • The air (prevention and control of pollution) Act,1981
  • The Environment (protection) Act, 1986
• In addition the Constitution (forty-two amendments) of the Act, 1976 included two important provisions namely.
  • Article 48-A
  • Article 51A (g)

Thus, making the Constitution of India the first in the world to provide a constitutional framework for environmental protection.