Arguments Against Keeping Quiet from a Moral Perspective

**1. Ethical Responsibility to Society: Every individual has a moral obligation to prevent harm to others, especially when it comes to environmental and public health issues. The discharge of toxic waste into a river poses severe health risks to the local community, which relies on that river for water. Ignoring such unethical practices equates to passively endorsing harm to innocent people. For instance, the Union Carbide Bhopal Gas Tragedy underscores the catastrophic impact of industrial negligence on public health, demonstrating that silence in the face of wrongdoing can lead to devastating consequences.

**2. Legal and Ethical Standards: Keeping quiet violates legal and ethical standards for environmental protection. In India, the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and other regulations mandate proper disposal of hazardous waste to prevent environmental degradation. By remaining silent, she would be implicitly condoning illegal activities and contributing to the violation of these laws. The NGT’s intervention in cases like the Ganga pollution issue shows that legal bodies often rely on whistleblowers to expose and address such violations.

**3. Moral Integrity and Personal Conscience: From a moral integrity perspective, silence in the face of wrongdoing can lead to personal moral conflict and a compromised sense of self-worth. Her conscience is already troubled by the unethical practices she has discovered. Upholding personal ethical standards and addressing the issue, even at personal risk, aligns with maintaining integrity and moral courage. This is evident in the actions of whistleblowers like Frances Haugen, who exposed unethical practices at Facebook, despite facing significant personal and professional risks.

**4. Potential for Positive Change: Reporting the issue could lead to positive change and improve the situation for the affected community. If she acts to expose the toxic waste discharge, it could prompt corrective measures by the company, enforcement actions by regulatory bodies, and raise awareness about environmental responsibility. The Volkswagen emission scandal demonstrates how exposing corporate wrongdoing can lead to reforms and increased corporate accountability.

**5. Legal Protections for Whistleblowers: There are legal protections available for whistleblowers in many jurisdictions. In India, the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014 provides safeguards against retaliation for reporting corruption or illegal activities. Understanding and utilizing these protections can mitigate personal risks associated with exposing unethical practices.

Conclusion: Keeping quiet is not morally right because it compromises ethical responsibility, legal standards, personal integrity, and the potential for positive societal change. By addressing the issue, she can uphold her moral values, contribute to legal and environmental justice, and foster a more responsible corporate culture.