Ancient Ecological Wisdom and Its Continuity in Indian Environmental Acts

The relationship between human society and nature has always been guided by some ethical values that determine the right behavior towards nature. Ecology is the pivot of sustainable development because it preserves the web of life that supports all life. The Indian school of thought, particularly the Hindu school of thought, provides a holistic perspective on life, according to which human beings are a part of nature and not its rulers. The ancient texts and traditions of Indian culture provide for harmony, regulation, compassion, and respect for all forms of life and non-life, which promote coexistence and not the exploitation of nature. This has led to early awareness about nature’s balance, biodiversity conservation, and the moral use of natural resources. Over the years, these ethical bases have led to modern environmental governance in India, with the increasing recognition of the intrinsic value of nature in the Constitution, environmental protection laws, and judicial decisions. This research, by establishing the continuity between traditional wisdom and modern environmental ethics, attempts to highlight the continued relevance of value-based approaches to address the degradation of nature and ensure sustainable and equitable development for the present and future generations