(a) Is this statement justified in present-day scenario of damage to the environment? 

(b) What would you suggest to achieve a balance in modern age need of the human being and protection of environment? (APSC CCE Mains 2024, GS-4)

Indian civilisation traditionally viewed nature as sacred. Ideas such as Prithvi as Mother, worship of rivers, forests, mountains and animals, and the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” show deep ecological sensitivity. However, the present-day environmental crisis raises a serious ethical question whether modern society has moved away from this value-based relationship with nature.

(a) Is the statement justified in the present-day scenario?

• Traditional Indian view supported environmental preservation
  • Indian culture treated the environment not as a commodity but as a living system.
  • The Atharva Veda says, “Mata bhumih putro aham prithivyah” – Earth is my mother, I am her son. 
  • Sacred groves, river worship, tree worship, animal protection and festivals linked with seasons reflected ecological ethics.
• Principle of restraint
  • Indian thought emphasised limited consumption, harmony and interdependence.
  • Gandhiji rightly said, “The earth has enough for everyone’s need, but not for everyone’s greed.” 
  • This reflects the ethical idea of sustainable living. 
• But present-day reality shows contradiction
  • Today, environmental damage is visible through air pollution, water contamination, deforestation, biodiversity loss, plastic waste, climate change and urban flooding. 
  • Many rivers are worshipped but also polluted. 
  • Forests are respected in tradition but cleared for unplanned development. 
  • Therefore, the statement is historically justified, but only partially true in the present scenario.
• Moral gap
  • The problem is not absence of values, but failure to practise them. 
  • Modern consumerism, greed, short-term economic gains and weak enforcement have weakened ecological responsibility. 
  • This shows a decline in environmental ethics, where humans forget their duty towards future generations. 

(b) Suggestions to balance modern needs and environmental protection

• Adopt sustainable development
  • Development must meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
  • Roads, industries, housing and infrastructure should follow environmental impact assessment, carrying capacity and ecological safeguards.
• Follow ethical principles
  • Intergenerational equity: We must protect resources for future generations. 
  • Precautionary principle: We should avoid actions that may cause serious environmental harm. 
  • Polluter Pays Principle: Those who damage the environment must bear the cost of restoration. 
  • Public Trust Doctrine: The state must protect natural resources as a trustee for citizens. 
• Promote responsible consumption
  • Citizens should reduce waste, conserve water, use public transport, avoid single-use plastic and adopt energy-efficient lifestyles.
  • The idea of Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) promotes mindful and sustainable living.
• Green technology and clean energy
  • India should expand solar, wind, green hydrogen, electric mobility and energy-efficient buildings.
  • Technology must serve both development and ecology.
• Community participation
  • Local communities, tribal groups and panchayats should take part in forest, wetland and biodiversity conservation.
  • Sacred groves and traditional ecological knowledge should be protected.
• Strong governance
  • Authorities must strictly enforce pollution control laws, waste management rules and forest conservation norms.
  • Social audit, environmental audit and transparency can reduce ecological violations.
• Environmental education
  • Schools, colleges and media should promote ecological values. 
  • Ethical education must teach that nature is not only a resource but also a moral responsibility. 

Conclusion

Thus, Indians traditionally considered the environment as mother, but present-day environmental damage shows a gap between belief and action. Modern development is necessary, but it must be guided by restraint, sustainability and responsibility. A society becomes truly civilised when it protects both human progress and ecological dignity.