Fundamental Duties Sub-section (g) Focuses on Environment

The Constitution of India outlines certain fundamental responsibilities for its citizens in Part IV-A, specifically under Article 51A. These are known as the Fundamental Duties. They were added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976.

Understanding the List of Fundamental Duties

Article 51A lists the following Fundamental Duties:

• (a) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem;
• (b) to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom;
• (c) to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;
• (d) to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so;
• (e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women;
• (f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture;
• (g) to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures;
• (h) to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform;
• (i) to safeguard public property and to abjure violence;
• (j) to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement;
• (k) who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or, as the case may be, ward between the age of six and fourteen years.

Detailed Explanation of Sub-Section (g)

The question specifically asks about Sub-Section (g) of the Fundamental Duties. As seen in the list above, this particular duty focuses on environmental protection. It mandates that every citizen must:

• Protect the natural environment: This includes taking measures to prevent pollution and degradation of ecosystems.
• Improve the natural environment: This involves actions aimed at enhancing the quality of the environment, such as afforestation and conservation efforts.
• Specific areas mentioned include forests, lakes, rivers, and wild life.
• It also emphasizes having compassion for living creatures, highlighting the ethical dimension of environmental responsibility.

Therefore, Sub-Section (g) of the Fundamental Duties deals directly with the protection and improvement of the natural environment.