ABSTRACT
In considering the legacy that governments and society bequeath to the future generations two factors need to be paid specific attention. These relate to ecological balance and the volume and value of assets that are passed on, as in a relay race where the final destination is not known, from one generation to another. The history of the debate on ecological balance is, of necessity, somewhat brief. All along, the main endeavor was to evolve the best way for harnessing the bounty of nature. As population grew, more and more forest areas were cleared for regular cultivation, water reservoirs built, and irrigation channels provided to ensure regular agricultural operations. The tasks that are expected to be performed by the government both as a trustee and as an owner of property are stated in the Constitution either implicitly or explicitly. The policy paper is essentially a statement of principles and long-term aims and lacks a time-sliced action plan.
