Environmental Conservation involves protection as well as enhancement of the quality of our natural environment. Natural resources are the basic building blocks for national development. The air, water, soil, flora and fauna have to be used with care and wisdom to sustain development and to provide for improved quality of life for the people. India is one of the few countries to have specifically referred to the need for environmental protection in its Constitution. The Directive Principles of State Policy enjoins, ?the State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country? (Article 48). It also declares, ?It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural invironment including forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures? (Article 51-A).
Since 1 November 1980, a separate Department of Environment has been created, under the charge of the Prime Minister for the pivotal role of environmental conservation in the context of national development. This department together with other supporting organisations, has the responsibility for coordinating and sponsoring environmental protection programmes in the country. It also supports development programmes undertaken by agencies within and outside the Government.
A special stamp on World Environment Day highlighting the need for conservation of forests which is an integral and significant component in environmental conservation was issued on 15.6.1981.
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