The UN Conference on Human Environment at Stockholm in 1972 drew world attention to environments. Taking note of it, the Government of India established a separate wing in the Ministry of Science and Technology.
In 1985, an independent Ministry of Environment and Forests was created. Prior to this, Article 48-A was inserted in the Constitution of India as a directive principle.
Under this provision, the State is mandated to make endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country. Article 51 (A)(g) of the Constitution imposes a duty on every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life and to have compassion for living creatures.
Besides, Parliament has enacted a number of laws supplemented by rules and regulations dealing with environment.
Some of the notable legislations include the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981; the Wild life (Protection) Act, 1972; the Forests (Conservation) Act, 1980; the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; the National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997; and the National Environment Tribunal Act, 1995.
Where was the UN conference on Human Environment held in 1972?