A 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? (250 words) [UPSC 2018]

Roadmap for Answer Writing

Introduction

• Briefly introduce the issue: Balancing industrial growth with environmental protection.
• State your role as a senior officer and the importance of addressing the situation.

Understanding the Context

1. Background of the Factory
   • Established 10 years ago with government approval despite opposition.
   • Initial benefits: job creation, economic growth.
2. Environmental Impact
   • Pollution affecting land, water, crops, and health.
   • Mention specific health issues: respiratory problems, skin diseases, etc. (Source: WHO reports on industrial pollution).
3. Social Reactions
   • Public agitations and protests against the pollution.
   • Law and order challenges leading to police intervention.

Analyzing the Situation

1. Economic Consequences of Closure
   • Loss of jobs for factory workers and ancillary units.
   • Impact on industries relying on the chemicals produced.
   • Potential economic downturn in the region (Source: Economic surveys from local governments).
2. Public Health and Safety Concerns
   • Review health statistics post-establishment of the factory.
   • Importance of safeguarding community health (Source: CDC reports on industrial pollution).
3. Environmental Necessity
   • Legal obligations under environmental laws (e.g., the Environmental Protection Act).
   • Long-term environmental sustainability vs. short-term economic gains.

Proposed Solutions

1. Immediate Actions
   • Ensure the closure of the factory to prevent further environmental damage.
   • Conduct a thorough environmental impact assessment (EIA) (Source: EIA Guidelines, Ministry of Environment).
2. Stakeholder Engagement
   • Initiate dialogues with affected communities, workers, and industry representatives.
   • Form an advisory committee to explore sustainable alternatives.
3. Alternative Employment Strategies
   • Develop retraining programs for displaced workers.
   • Encourage investment in eco-friendly industries (Source: Reports on green job creation by the ILO).
4. Long-term Environmental Management Plan
   • Implement stricter regulations on industrial pollutants.
   • Promote research and development of cleaner technologies (Source: UNEP reports on sustainable industrial practices).

Conclusion

• Reiterate the importance of balancing industrial growth with environmental and public health.
• Emphasize a collaborative approach to finding sustainable solutions.

Relevant Facts

• Health Impact: Industrial pollution is linked to 4.2 million premature deaths globally annually (Source: WHO).
• Job Loss Statistics: Closure of a major factory can lead to up to 3 times the immediate job loss in ancillary sectors (Source: Economic and Labour Statistics Bureau).
• Environmental Regulations: Over 80% of companies globally are adopting sustainability practices to comply with increasing regulations (Source: Global Reporting Initiative).

This roadmap provides a structured approach to answering the question, ensuring all aspects of the situation are addressed while incorporating relevant facts from credible sources.