Abstract:
“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.”- Mahatma Gandhi
The sustainable development is now deeply embedded in both National and International scenario, it is a big Global problem; therefor India has also keen concern on the protection of environment, development and sustainable development.
The depletion of natural sources, industrialization, and urbanization, development of science and technology and also tremendous growth of population are major threat to human survival.
Ecology is common heritage for all human being the need of society increase day by day and its effect on the natural sources and environment, natural sources are limited and irrecoverable.
Therefore it is a pious, moral and legal obligation and duty on Government, judiciary and citizens of India to protect, conserved and preserved the natural resources and environment with sustainable development.
The Indian judiciary and Government have emerged as most important tool for promoting sustainable development with protection of environment and natural sources.
Introduction:
Sustainable Development is a multidimensional concept. It is widely accepted as a new policy goal to govern human life.
The etymological meaning of sustainable development is any development which is on-going. It evokes the idea of preservation and nurturing.
In simple words, it is conservation of environment and development together. Both economically and ecologically sustained development is Sustainable Development.
The term indicates systematic way of planning of development.
Social, economic and environment all these components concept of sustainable development.
Origin of Concept:
The term sustainable development was coined at the time of the Cocoyoc Declaration on Environment and Development in the early 1970’s.
For the first time, the doctrine of “Sustainable Development” was discussed in the Stockholm Declaration of 1972.
In 1987, the World Commission on Environment and Development submitted its report, called “Our Common Future”.
“Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs”.
Principles of Sustainable Development:
a) Inter-Generational Equity: The principle talks about the right of every generation to get benefit from the natural resources.
b) Precautionary Principle: Where there are threats of serious damage, lack of scientific certainty should not delay preventive measures.
c) Polluter Pays Principle: Polluter should bear the cost of pollution and environmental damage.
Constitution of India and Sustainable Development:
The Constitution of India envisages provisions for protection and improvement of environment.Article 48-A deals with environment protection and Article 51A(g) imposes duty on citizens. Indian Parliament enacted various environmental laws supporting sustainable development.
Role of Indian Judiciary:
The Supreme Court has played a crucial role in environmental protection using Article 21.
Right to clean and healthy environment is part of right to life.
Judiciary has developed doctrines like sustainable development, polluter pays and precautionary principle.
Important Case Laws:
Vellore Citizen Welfare Forum v. Union of India – Recognized sustainable development principles.
MC Mehta v Union of India – Established absolute liability.
Subhash Kumar v State of Bihar – Right to pollution-free environment under Article 21.
Narmada Bachao Andolan v Union of India – Defined sustainable development balance.
Conclusion:
Preservation and protection of environment is not only the duty of Government but also every citizen. Sustainable development ensures balance between economic growth and environmental protection. It is a moral, social and legal responsibility to protect environment for future generations.
References:
G.I.P. Darsini and K Umadevi, Environmental law and sustainable development (2010)
Gurdeep Singh, Environmental law
P.S. Jaswal, Environmental law
Satish C. Shastri, Environmental Law (2018)
Various Supreme Court Cases and Reports