CONSERVATION OF WATER BODIES IN ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS OF MANUSMRUTI

Abstract

The fact that religion plays diversified role in saving the integrity of the natural environment was a well established concept in eastern world since more than 5000 B.C. as reflected in the dicta of Manusmruti. This is the world’s first ethical compendium on human jurisprudence presented by Maharshi Manu. Manusmruti, originated sometimes immediate to the post Vedic age, is well reflected in the epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, spread throughout Asian Countries, even if sporadically situated, are said to be hailed from a common land of culture scribed as Jambu Dweepa, as comprehended from ancient historic evidences. Manu forbids throwing of fifty substances like urine, faces, saliva, cloaths defiled by impure substances, blood, poisonous things and any other substance considered to be impure into water bodies. The person breaking the rules had to subsist on food obtained by begging for the period of one month and mutter the seven verses addressed to Gods like India. In Emergency if someone had to bet relief of the necessities of nature, being greatly pressed, in water; used for a minor penance i.e., touching a cow after bath. This paper introspect adoption of certain laws in Manusmruti in existing laws framed by the competent authority for wetland conservation in our country.