Environmental Sustainability and right to health: A judicial and statutory approach

Environmental Sustainability and right to health: A judicial and statutory approach Dr. T.N. Mishra Dr. Vandana Singh Environment and health are both closely interconnected. A healthy environment is essential for human well-being because environmental degradation directly affects human beings. It makes man sick, and it may create serious health problems such as asthma, COPD, Cardiovascular disease etc. Due to climate change Extreme weather events such as Heat waves, flood, and drought etc. occurs. The right to health is a fundamental right recognised by International as well as National Laws. A healthy environment is a prerequisite for the Full enjoyment of the right to health. When environmental sustainability rule is not followed by human beings or in other words it is compromised the right to life is threatened. Indian Supreme Court through its various judgments upholds that right to health as an integral part of right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Through its various judgments the court said that access to health care is essential for a meaningful life and life with full dignity. Deforestation, land degradation, water pollution, climate change are some important addressing the challenges of environmental sustainability and right to health in India requires a multi -faceted approach. Conducting health impact assessments (HIAs) can help policymakers anticipate and mitigate the potential health effects of environmental policies and projects. Establishing environmental health surveillance systems can facilitate the monitoring of environmental health hazards and the tracking of related health outcomes. Incorporating green design principles and sustainable materials into healthcare infrastructure can reduce the environmental footprint of healthcare facilities. This paper delves into the complex interplay between environmental sustainability and human health, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to protect both the environment and human health.