Author(s): Dr. Bindu Variath

Abstract: The word Environment is derived from the French word “Environ” which means “surrounding”. Our surrounding includes biotic factors like human beings, plants, animals, microbes, etc and abiotic factors such as light, air, water, soil, etc. The Environment Protection Act 1986 defines Environment under section 2(a) as “Environment includes water, air and land and the inter-relationship which exists among and between water, air and land, and human beings, other living creatures, plants, micro-organism and property.” Besides the physical and biological aspect, the “environment” clasps the social, economic, cultural, religious, ideological, and aesthetic and several other aspects as well. According to a study conducted by Down to Earth organisation in 2014 they reported, “13 of the world's 20 worst polluted cities are in India, Air pollution is the fifth largest killer in India. Though coal accounts for 59% of power generation, it is responsible for 68.5% of carbon emissions; 7,322 million litres of sewage from cities go untreated into the Ganga every day.”Environment protection is a fragment of our cultural values, civilisation, heritage and traditions. In Atharvaveda, it has been said that “Man’s paradise is on earth; this living world is the beloved place of all; It has the blessings of nature’s bounties; live in a lovely spirit”. Earth is our nirvana and it is our duty to protect our nirvana. The constitution of India incorporates the framework of protection and preservation of nature without which life cannot be relished. The knowledge of constitutional provisions regarding environment protection is need of the day to bring greater public participation, environmental awareness, and environmental education and sensitize the people to preserve ecology and environment.

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