With stubble burning leading to rising pollution levels, the district is facing severe air quality deterioration, affecting both public health and environmental sustainability. The District Collector is mobilizing his team to implement measures to control stubble burning in an effort to check the rising pollution levels. Along with an awareness campaign on the hazards of stubble burning, strict measures are being taken to prevent farmers from setting fire to crop residue. Vigilance teams are being deployed to monitor rural areas and catch farmers engaging in this practice. This action is agitating the farmers. A delegation of farmers meets with the District Collector to voice their concerns, alleging that while they are being penalized, industries in the region contribute far more to air pollution yet face no such restrictions. However, a recent study commissioned by the state government highlighted that industrial sources are not the major contributors to air pollution in the district while stubble burning is. On the contrary, farmers claim that the administration is biased, favoring industrial interests over agricultural needs. They also allege that the administration is corrupt and is being bribed by industries to overlook the significant pollution they cause. The administration needs to resolve the farmers' grievances, as they are threatening to go on a prolonged protest. At the same time, it must also address the issue of deteriorating air quality. a. What are the ethical dilemmas for the District Collector? b. Identify and evaluate the options available to the District Collector. c. What steps can be taken to address the stakeholders' interests in a mutually compatible way?

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Syllabus: Case Studies on above issues.