Context
The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has recognized access to a clean and healthy environment as a ‘fundamental right’ in Geneva, Switzerland.
About
- The right to a clean environment was centered on the Stockholm Declaration of 1972.
- Fifty years later, it has been legally recognized.
- The Declaration emphasizes the "right to life, liberty and security of person, and the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms".
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The World Health Organization estimates that 13.7 million deaths a year, or about 24.3% of the global total, are due to natural disasters such as air pollution and chemical exposure.
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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.
