Indian Environmental Ethics

ENVIRONMENT 

• Indian Environmental Ethics

AIR, WATER, and LAND play an important role in determining the quality of our biosphere including the flora and fauna of a region.

TO LIVE IN HARMONY WITH NATURE should be the main motto of social life. This has been discussed in our Vedic scriptures where plants, trees, Mother Earth, sky, air, water and animals are worshipped. It was regarded as a sacred duty of every person to protect them. 

The Hindu religion instructs man to show reverence for the presence of divine power in nature.

Atharvaveda, the one of the most ancient scripture. In Atharvaveda, we get to know the Vedic views revolve around the concept of nature and life where these water, air and plants or herbs exist in the world from the very beginning. 

Trees and plants have been regarded as indispensable in the life of human beings. They have been considered as revered, bestowers of good and protectors from evil with a concept of God living in them. Trees and plants are considered as a abode of various Gods and Goddesses. 

In India, trees are worshiped as tree deities with prayers offerings of water, flowers, sweets and encircled by sacred threads planting of trees is also regarded as a sacred religious duty and work of great virtue. This is a sense of worship that has a background of utility and spirit-fullness. 

Not only trees and plants but also animals and birds are considered the most important aspect of Hindu theology. In the Hindu theology, different species are actually related with reincarnation and deities. It is also believed that the Supreme Being actually gets himself incarnated in the form of species. 

Therefore Hindus are taught to treat all other species just like their own children. Apart from having the economic importance of animals and birds in Vedic India, they also have significant ritualistic and symbolic roles in society.

Cow has been given the most priority. Milk of cow and other dairy products from it are used in the religious ceremonies, fasting days and are offered to Gods. It is not only offered to Gods but also has medicinal utility of urine and dung. Cow is sanctified and slaughter of cow is treated as the highest form of sin (as mentioned in Rigveda, X, 87.16; Yajurveda XIII, 47, 49, Manusmriti, V, 45). These rituals are still prevalent and observed in the daily life of Hindus. 

As for the last few decades, the world has witnessed a revolution to preserve and protect the environment. 

As per PRINCIPLE 2 OF THE STOCKHOLM DECLARATION: 

The natural resources of the earth, including the air, water, land, flora and fauna and especially representative samples of natural ecosystems, must be safeguarded for the benefit of present and future generations through careful planning or management, as appropriate. 

While in the RIO DECLARATION ON ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT in the year 2012 has mentioned: 

We recognise that people are the centre of sustainable development and in this regard we strive for a world that is just, equitable and inclusive economic growth, social development and environmental protection and thereby to benefit all (Principle 6).

* Reference from Google search

Book on Environmental Law by S. C. Shastri.

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Limitation Act available @ GOOGLEPLAYBOOKS

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