UPSC Mains 2025 · GS IV · Q8 · 20 marks · 250 words · Case study

In line with the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Indian Constitution, the government has a constitutional obligation to ensure basic needs – “Roti, Kapda aur Makan (Food, Clothes and Shelter)” – for the under-privileged. Pursuing this mandate, the district administration proposed clearing a portion of forest land to develop housing for the homeless and economically weaker sections of the society. The proposed land, however, is an ecologically sensitive zone densely populated with age-old trees, medicinal plants and vital biodiversity. Besides, these forests help to regulate micro-climate and rainfalls; provide habitat for wildlife, support soil fertility and prevent land/soil erosion and sustain livelihoods of tribal and nomadic communities. Inspite of the ecological and social costs, the administration argues in favour of the said proposal by highlighting that this very initiative addresses fundamental human rights as a critical welfare priority. Besides, it fulfils the government’s duty to uplift and empower the poor through inclusive housing development. Further, these forest areas have become unsafe due to wild-animal threats and recurring human-wild life conflicts. Lastly, clearing forest-zones may help to curb anti-social elements allegedly using these areas as hideouts, thereby enhancing law and order.

(a) Can deforestation be ethically justified in the pursuit of social welfare objectives like, housing for the homeless ?
(b) What are the socio-economic, administrative and ethical challenges in balancing environmental conservation with human development ?
(c) What substantial alternatives or policy interventions can be proposed to ensure that both environmental integrity and human dignity are protected ?

हिन्दी में

भारतीय संविधान में निहित राज्य के नीति निर्देशक सिद्धांतों के अनुरूप *रोटी, कपड़ा और मकान* की बुनियादी जरूरतों को सुनिश्चित करना सरकार का संवैधानिक दायित्व है । इस आदेश का पालन करते हुए, जिला प्रशासन ने समाज के बेघर और आर्थिक रूप से कमजोर वर्ग के लिए आवास विकसित करने हेतु वनभूमि के एक हिस्से की सफाई का प्रस्ताव रखा । हालाँकि, प्रस्तावित भूमि पारिस्थितिक रूप से एक संवेदनशील क्षेत्र है जो सदियों पुराने पेड़ों, औषधीय पौधों और महत्वपूर्ण जैववैविध्य से परिपूर्ण है । इसके अलावा, ये वन सूक्ष्म जलवायु और वर्षा को विनियमित करने, वन्यजीवों के लिए आश्रय प्रदान करने, मृत्तिका की उर्वरता बढ़ाने, भूमि/मृदा अपरदन रोकने एवं आदिवासी तथा खानाबदोश समुदायों की आजीविका को बनाए रखने में मदद करते हैं । पारिस्थितिक और सामाजिक लागतों के बावजूद, प्रशासन उक्त प्रस्ताव के पक्ष में तर्क देता है कि यह पहल मौलिक मानवाधिकारों को एक महत्वपूर्ण कल्याणपरक प्राथमिकता के रूप में संबोधित करती है । इसके अलावा, इस समावेशी आवास विकास के माध्यम से गरीबों के उत्थान और सशक्तिकरण से सरकार का कर्तव्य पूरा होगा । पुनः जंगली जानवरों के खतरे और बार-बार होनेवाले मानव-वन्यजीव संघर्ष के कारण ये वनक्षेत्र असुरक्षित हो गए हैं । अंत में, वनक्षेत्रों को साफ करने से इन इलाकों को कथित तौर पर छिपने के स्थानों के रूप में उपयोग करने वाले असामाजिक तत्वों पर अंकुश लगाने में मदद मिल सकती है, जिससे कानून और व्यवस्था में सुधार होगा ।

(a) क्या बेघरों के लिए सामाजिक कल्याणपरक उद्देश्यों की पूर्ति हेतु वनों की कटाई को नैतिक रूप से उचित ठहराया जा सकता है ?
(b) मानव विकास के साथ पर्यावरण संरक्षण को संतुलित करने में समाजार्थिक, प्रशासनिक और नैतिक चुनौतियाँ क्या हैं ?
(c) पर्यावरणीय अखंडता और मानवीय गरिमा – दोनों की सुरक्षा को सुनिश्चित करने के लिए कौन से ठोस विकल्प या नीतिगत हस्तक्षेप प्रस्तावित किए जा सकते हैं ?

Environmental Ethics Ethical Dilemmas in Government

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “The International Money Bank has granted loan to the government to construct ten dams. The dams would provide water for irrigation of crops, control floods in some parts of your district, and supply drinking water to numerous towns and cities. Seven of these dams are to be constructed in areas of high ecological value occupied by native groups who are challenging the government. The native groups, who oppose the construction of the dams, represent a minority compared to the multiple towns and cities which would benefit from the dams. Nevertheless, it should be taken under consideration that the natives consider the forests as their own. Also, their distinctive life style and culture is intimately related to the existence of these natural areas. It has been noted that the forests also have a very high ecological value. If this project is completed, their land would submerge and the natives would have to be relocated. The International Money Bank is aware of this yet it has granted the loan. You are the District Magistrate of this district. Every day protests and demonstrations are happening in your office. The government has given you the responsibility to manage the situation. What are the various options available to you. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.”

Namrata JainAIR 12 · CSE 2018 · 364 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

The concern of managing the 'growth' in various projects - dam building which helps public as well as development and balancing growth with environmental impacts ('Sustainable Development') to protect the ecology.

Various options available are:

Body · points

Pacify the minority group for short term and order committee report, ground level assessment of the impact: → Short term pacification is important to maintain law and order so that no violence erupts. → Long term, fact committee should be set up to evaluate the Cost-Benefit analysis by taking into concerns of the minorities as well as the larger public benefitting from dams. → This displays the concern for ecology, minorities as well as development too and decision should be taken according to the report assessing and evaluating the real Cost-benefit of the dams. This is the most appropriate action which can deliver for both short term and faster medium-long term benefits.

(2) Dialogue with the native dwellers taking them of benefits and rehabilitating them convincing them: → this approach of dialogue may provide them with sense of discussion and taking into account their views but the larger shift towards development is while in this option. → Proper rehabilitation may help them but the attachment with the native their place, and community will be impacted.

(3) Engage with experts to evaluate and find other options apart from construction of dam and drop the option of dam building: → This depicts the larger ecological concern and concerns of dwellers taken into account who have rights over their place and habitat. → But, the various benefits of dam-control of flood, irrigational benefits to the larger public - the concept of (larger) greater benefit to greater number of people (Utilitarianism) is not taken and given preference.

(4) Stop the protests and movements by force (police personnel force) and order for the construction of dam: → This displays the erratic behaviour of using force over the affected civilians without taking their concerns in account. → This is the worst and least preferred option to be taken.

Close · a summary

Thus, the decision should be by evaluating the balance between growth and development ("Sustainable Development") and all the parties must be taken into dialogue and engagement.

2 more toppers’ answers to this question, part by part, and how they all approached it: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025, General Studies Paper IV, Q8. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.