2025 · GS Paper 4 · Q2(b) · 10 marks
Keeping the national security in mind, examine the ethical dilemmas related to controversies over environmental clearance of development projects in ecologically sensitive border areas in the country.
In short
Clearances in ecologically sensitive border areas pit national security against ecology, transparency, precaution and tribal consent, and the ethical course keeps precaution and consent while allowing speed and confidentiality. In 2021 the Supreme Court allowed 10-metre Char Dham defence roads modifying its own 2020 cap of 5.5 metres.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 270 words
Security vs Ecology
The Supreme Court in December 2021 allowed 10-metre widths for defence feeder roads, modifying its own 2020 order that had capped them at 5.5 metres for unstable slopes.
Secrecy vs Transparency
The NGT declined to quash the Great Nicobar clearances in 2023, but its high-powered committee's report was withheld on strategic grounds.
Speed vs Precaution
The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 exempts strategic linear projects within 100 km of the border from forest clearance.
Nation vs Consent
The Shompen of Great Nicobar and Adi villages facing the Siang project question whether a frontier can be secured by overriding its own citizens.
Ecology Is Security
Joshimath's 2023 subsidence, beside Army and ITBP bases, showed that degraded slopes endanger the garrisons they serve.
Accountable Confidentiality
Strategic details can go to a closed expert panel while ecological data stays public, since a just end needs just means.
Consent First
Gram sabha consultation under the Forest Rights Act, 2006 protects intergenerational equity and those with the least voice.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025 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.