Indian & World Geography·Policy Changes
Climate of India — Policy Changes
Constitution VerifiedUPSC Verified
Version 1Updated 7 Mar 2026
| Entry | Year | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42nd Amendment Act | 1976 | This amendment inserted Article 48A (Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wild life) into the Directive Principles of State Policy and Article 51A(g) (Fundamental Duty to protect and improve the natural environment) into the Fundamental Duties. While not directly amending a 'climate' article, it laid the constitutional foundation for environmental protection, which is intrinsically linked to climate governance and policy. | Provided a constitutional mandate for environmental protection, influencing subsequent legislation and policy on pollution control, forest conservation, and implicitly, climate-related issues. It shifted environmental concerns from mere policy to constitutional obligation. |
| Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (subsequent amendments) | 1986 (with various amendments over time) | This Act, though not a constitutional amendment, is a comprehensive umbrella legislation for environmental protection in India. It has been amended multiple times to address emerging environmental challenges, including those related to air and water quality, hazardous waste management, and environmental impact assessments. These amendments often reflect evolving understanding of environmental degradation, much of which is exacerbated by or linked to climate change. | Empowered the central government to take all necessary measures for protecting and improving the quality of the environment. Subsequent amendments have strengthened regulatory frameworks for pollution control, which indirectly contributes to climate change mitigation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving environmental resilience. |
| Disaster Management Act, 2005 (subsequent amendments) | 2005 (with various amendments over time) | This Act provides for the effective management of disasters and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. While not a constitutional amendment, it is a crucial legislative framework that has seen amendments to refine its scope and implementation. Many disasters in India, such as floods, droughts, and cyclones, are climate-induced or climate-aggravated. Amendments to this Act often aim to improve preparedness, response, and mitigation strategies for such events. | Established the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), creating a structured approach to disaster management. Amendments have focused on strengthening early warning systems, community resilience, and integrating climate risk assessment into disaster planning, directly addressing the impacts of a changing climate on extreme weather events. |