In which year was the directive for the protection and improvement of the environment and safeguarding of forests and wildlife added to the Constitution of India?

📘 Explanation

The directive for protection and improvement of the environment and safeguarding of forests and wildlife was added to the Constitution through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 in India.

👉 This amendment inserted Article 48A in the Directive Principles of State Policy.

Article 48A states:

“The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.”

व्याख्या

पर्यावरण संरक्षण, सुधार तथा वनों और वन्यजीवों की सुरक्षा से संबंधित निर्देश संविधान (42वां संशोधन अधिनियम), 1976 द्वारा जोड़ा गया था।

👉 इस संशोधन के द्वारा अनुच्छेद 48A को राज्य के नीति-निदेशक तत्वों (Directive Principles) में शामिल किया गया।

अनुच्छेद 48A कहता है:
राज्य पर्यावरण की रक्षा और सुधार तथा देश के वनों और वन्यजीवों की सुरक्षा का प्रयास करेगा।

⭐ Extra Facts (Important for Exams)

• 42nd Amendment is also called the “Mini Constitution.”

• At the same time, Article 51A(g) (Fundamental Duty) was added — making it the duty of citizens to protect the environment.

• This amendment was passed during the Emergency period (1975–77).