Which Amendment inserted the Fundamental Duty to protect the environment?
The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 inserted the Fundamental Duty “to protect and improve the natural environment” under Article 51A(g).
The Fundamental Duty to protect and improve the environment was inserted by the 42nd Amendment of the Indian Constitution in 1976. This amendment introduced Article 51A(g) under Part IVA which states that “It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures.” Additionally, the amendment also added Article 48A to the Directive Principles of State Policy, which directs the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife. Thus, the 42nd Amendment is the one that formally included environmental protection as a fundamental duty for citizens in the Constitution of India.
