UPSC Mains 2026 · GS IV · Q1(b) · 10 marks · 150 words

A business house is working on a project that could displace a forest community from their habitat. As the administrative officer of that district, what ethical challenges are you likely to face?

हिन्दी में

एक औद्योगिक घराना एक ऐसी परियोजना पर काम कर रहा है, जिसके कारण एक वन-समुदाय अपने प्राकृतिक वासस्थान से विस्थापित हो सकता है। उक्त ज़िले के प्रशासनिक अधिकारी के रूप में आप किन नैतिक चुनौतियों का सामना करेंगे?

Environmental Ethics Empathy and Compassion

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 2026, General Studies Paper IV, Q1(b). The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.