2014 · GS Paper 4 · Q9 · 20 marks
Now-a-days, there is an increasing thrust on economic development all around the globe. At the same time, there is also an increasing concern about environmental degradation caused by development. Many a time, we face a direct conflict between developmental activity and environmental quality. It is neither feasible to stop or curtail the developmental process, nor it is advisable to keep degrading the environment, as it threatens our very survival. Discuss some feasible strategies which could be adopted to eliminate this conflict and which could lead to sustainable development.
In short
The development-environment conflict can be eliminated by assessing harm before approval, making the polluter pay, pricing nature, adopting clean technology and giving communities a share and a say. India reaching half its installed power capacity from non-fossil sources in 2025 shows growth and decarbonisation can coexist.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 271 words
Assess before approving
Rigorous EIA under the 2006 Notification, extended to Strategic Environmental Assessment of sectors and regions, catches harm when avoiding it is cheapest.
Polluter pays
Vellore Citizens' Welfare Forum (1996) made the Polluter Pays and Precautionary Principles law; plastic EPR (2022) extends it to waste.
Price nature
The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (2023) and Green Credit Programme (2023) make clean choices profitable.
Zoning
Keeping industry out of eco-sensitive zones and wildlife corridors prevents direct clashes.
Clean energy
India reached half its installed power capacity from non-fossil sources in 2025, five years ahead of its NDC target.
Circular economy
Reuse and resource efficiency cut costs and waste together.
Community participation
Gram Sabha consent, upheld in Niyamgiri (2013), lets those who share the gains protect the resource.
Moderation
Mission LiFE (2022) and Gandhi's need-versus-greed ethic target consumption itself.
Green budgeting
Tag and track green spending.
Stronger regulators
Independent, well-staffed pollution control boards with real-time monitoring.
Just transition
Retrain workers in polluting sectors.
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Development versus Rights Dilemmas5 questions
Asked in 4 of 14 sittings since 2013
- 2025In 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?
- 2018A big corporate house is engaged in manufacturing industrial chemicals on a large scale. It proposes to set up an additional unit. Many States rejected its proposal due to detrimental effect on the environment. But one State government acceded to the request and permitted the unit close to a city, brushing aside all opposition. The unit was set up 10 years ago and was in full swing till recently. The pollution caused by the industrial effluents was affecting the land, water and crops in the area. It was also causing serious health problems to human beings and animals. This gave rise to a series of agitations demanding the closure of the plant. In a recent agitation thousands of people took part, creating a law and order problem necessitating stern police action. Following the public outcry, the State government ordered the closure of the factory. The closure of the factory resulted in the unemployment of not only those workers who were engaged in the factory but also those who were working in the ancillary units. It also very badly affected those industries which depended on the chemicals manufactured by it. As a senior officer entrusted with the responsibility of handling this issue, how are you going to address it?
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2014 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.