Indian Polity & Governance·Amendments

Desertification — Amendments

Updated 9 Mar 2026
AmendmentYearDescriptionImpact
42nd Amendment Act1976Inserted Article 48A (Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wild life) as a Directive Principle of State Policy and Article 51A(g) (Fundamental Duty to protect and improve the natural environment).Provided a constitutional mandate for environmental protection, including efforts to combat land degradation and desertification, making it a state responsibility and a citizen's duty. This amendment laid the foundational legal framework for subsequent environmental policies and laws in India.