You are appointed as an officer heading the section in Environment Pollution Control Board to ensure compliance and its follow-up. In that region, there were large number of small and medium industries which had been granted clearance. You learnt that these industries provide employment to many migrant workers. Most of the industrial units have got environmental clearance certificate in their possession. The environmental clearance seeks to curb industries and projects that supposedly hamper environment and living species in the region. But in practice, most of these units remain to be polluting units in several ways like air, water and soil pollution. As such, local people encountered persistent health problems. It was confirmed that majority of the industries were violating environmental compliance. You issued notice to all the industrial units to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificate from the competent authority. However, your action met with hostile response from a section of the industrial units, other vested interest persons and a section of the local politicians. The workers also became very hostile to you as they felt that your action would lead to the closure of these industrial units, and the resultant unemployment will lead to insecurity and uncertainty in their livelihood. Many owners of the industries approached you with the plea that you should not initiate harsh action as it would compel them to close their units, and cause huge financial loss, shortage of their products in the market. These would obviously add to the sufferings of the labourers and the consumers alike. The labour union also sent you representation requesting against the closure of the units. You simultaneously started receiving threats from unknown corners. You however received supports from some of your colleagues, who advised you to act freely to ensure environmental compliance. Local NGOs also came to your support and they demanded the closure of the polluting units immediately.
a. What are the options available to you under the given situation?
b. Critically examine the options listed by you.
c. What type of mechanism would you suggest to ensure environmental compliance?
d. What are the ethical dilemmas you faced in exercising your option? (250 words) [UPSC 2022]
Options Available in Ensuring Environmental Compliance
a. Options Available:
b. Critical Examination of Options:
c. Suggested Mechanism for Ensuring Environmental Compliance:
d. Ethical Dilemmas Faced:
Navigating these dilemmas requires a careful, balanced approach that considers all stakeholders’ concerns while prioritizing the long-term health of the environment and public welfare.
Model Answer
Introduction
The situation involves an officer of the Environment Pollution Control Board tasked with enforcing compliance in a region with small and medium industries. These industries violate environmental regulations, leading to severe pollution and health concerns for local residents. The officer faces resistance from industrialists, labor unions, and politicians, while receiving support from NGOs and colleagues. The officer must navigate these challenges while ensuring environmental compliance without causing widespread unemployment and economic hardships.
(a) Options available to you under the given situation
(b) Critical examination of the options
Strict penalties:
Dialogue with industries:
Higher authority support:
Collaboration with NGOs:
Phased approach:
(c) Mechanism to ensure environmental compliance
A robust mechanism includes regular inspections, strict penalties for non-compliance, and incentives for eco-friendly technologies. Training programs for industrial workers and owners can raise awareness. Collaboration with NGOs and government agencies ensures broad-based support, while a monitoring system evaluates ongoing compliance and progress.
(d) Ethical dilemmas faced
Conclusion
Ensuring compliance requires a balanced approach—enforcing regulations while being mindful of the economic consequences. Collaboration, phased implementation, and strict monitoring can help achieve sustainable solutions. The ethical challenge lies in balancing environmental protection with the welfare of workers and local communities.