Environmental Protection and

Ancient India
The world history reveals that almost all religious and philosophical writings expressed
Concern for protection and adequate use of natural resources and also need for preserving natural
wealth for the sake of future generations.

•Environmental Protection under Hindu Mythology

•Buddhism and Environmental Protection
•Islam and Environmental Protection
•Jainism and Environmental Protection

Environmental Protection – Hindu Mythology

Rig veda – Universe consists of 5 important basic elements, namely, earth, water, air, fire
and sky which are basis of all cosmic creation.

Vedic period – was era of yajnas i.e. sacrificial fire. Vedas upanishads and smritis
All described the necessity of environment protection, harmony and preservation.

Atharvana veda – pure water is an effective medicine to cure all diseases and also
prevents them. The concern for protection of wildlife and domestic cattle was also
provided in it.
Tulsi, peepal, bael, neem and banyan trees, rats, elephants, tiger and garuda, ganga
Yamuna, krishna and cauvery were revered under Hindu Mythology

Kautilya in Arthashastra dealt with law relating to environmental protection and said
‘”Rulers and individuals were duty bound to maintain and protect forests and its produce”

In Fomento Resorts and Hotels Ltd Vs. Minguel Martins, The SC observed:
“Sages and Saints lived in forests. Their preaching are ample evidence of the society’s
Respect for plants, trees, earth, sky, air, water and every form of life. It was regarded as
A sacred duty of everyone to protect them”

Buddhism and Environmental Protection

Essence of teachings are non-violence, truth, love and respect for living creatures including
Plants and animals, it insisted on rational use of natural resources.

Jainism and Environmental Protection

It stresses against destruction of natural resources. Cruelty and killing of animals are not
Permitted, ,absolute prohibition of eating any kinds of meat.

Islam and Environmental Protection

It stresses the importance of balance between man and nature based on divine principles.
contd…
Holy Quran refers to the various components of environment at length. It states that man
Should not neglect the creatures and earth created by the God.

Sikhism and Environmental Protection

In view of Guru Nanak Dev, the spirit of God is present in the nature and human beings
depend on the nature.

British and Environmental Protection

During the British raj, though there was no exclusive enactment to deal with the offence
Concerning environmental protection, IPC consists of certain punitive measures, and
The Indian Easements Act, 1882, Section 7, declares that no person would be permitted to
Pollute the land of another person by means of water.

In Prabhu Narain Singh v. Ram Niranjan, the Allahabad HC held “there is no right by way
Of easement to discharge the dirty water of the drain of one’s house or property of
Another person’s land. It amounts to nuisance.
The general guiding principles of all religions to be observed by all in
their daily life:

•Respect nature
•Life in living is dependent on various components of nature
•Keep harmony with nature
•Protect natural environment
•Utilise natural resources only to satisfy the need of the people
•Presence of the divinity of nature in all living and non-living objects
•Destruction of nature means destruction of mankind
•All must have compassion for animate objects – eg. Trees animals, birds, aquatic life
•Air water land sky trees animals are the creation of God, and he dwells in all of them
•Worship to them is worship to Him
•“Ahimsa paramo dharmah” is the dharma of the highest order
•Drought floods storms heavy rains earthquakes and volcanoes are the violent forms
•Of anger manifested by gods and goddesses
•Purity of thought and expression, cleanliness of environment to be observed
•All lives are of equal value and all have same right of existence.