GS-4: Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas in Government and Private Institutions

In News:What is the Hasdeo Arand mining issue, and why villagers clashed with the police

1.In the heart of Chhattisgarh lies the Hasdeo Arand forest, often celebrated as the “lungs of Chhattisgarh.” This lush expanse is not only a sanctuary for diverse wildlife but also a vital resource for the indigenous tribal communities who have lived in harmony with its ecosystems for generations. However, the tranquility of this region is under siege as coal mining activities intensify, leading to environmental degradation and escalating conflicts between local villagers and authorities. As tree-felling operations resume, villagers find themselves caught in a struggle to protect their homes and livelihoods. The rich biodiversity of Hasdeo Arand, which includes endangered species like elephants and leopards, faces imminent threats from mining activities that promise economic development but at a significant ecological cost. As a newly appointed District Collector tasked with addressing this pressing issue, reflect on the ethical dilemmas posed by mining in such ecologically sensitive areas. Considering the socio-economic impacts on the tribal populations propose sustainable strategies that could foster a balance between necessary economic development and the imperative of environmental conservation, ensuring both community welfare and ecological integrity are preserved.

The Hasdeo Arand forest presents a complex ethical dilemma where the pursuit of economic development clashes with environmental conservation. As a District Collector, I recognize the delicate balance that must be struck between these competing interests.

Ethical dilemmas:

1. Environmental integrity vs. economic development: Mining offers immediate economic benefits such as job creation and revenue generation but threatens the long-term health of ecosystems vital for biodiversity.
2. Indigenous rights vs. corporate interests: The rights of indigenous tribal communities, who depend on the forest for their livelihoods and cultural identity are often overlooked in favour of corporate profit, raising issues of justice and equity.
3. Short-term gains vs. long-term sustainability: While mining provides short-term economic boosts, it undermines the sustainability of natural resources relied upon by local communities.
4. Informed consent vs. exploitation: The ethical principle of informed consent is compromised when local communities are not adequately consulted or informed about the potential impacts of mining, leading to exploitation and marginalisation.
5. Intergenerational equity: Current mining decisions may deplete resources for future generations, challenging our ethical responsibility to preserve them.
6. Accountability and transparency: The lack of transparency in the decision-making processes surrounding mining licences raises ethical concerns about accountability to both local communities and environmental standards.
7. Cultural preservation vs. development pressures: Mining threatens the cultural heritage of indigenous tribes, creating tension between cultural identity and economic development.
8. Health risks vs. economic incentives: Mining operations can lead to pollution and health hazards for local populations, creating a conflict between the economic incentives provided by mining companies and the health and well-being of community members.

Proposed sustainable strategies

1. Prioritise environmental conservation:
   ○ Strict Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Conducting rigorous EIAs to assess the potential environmental and social impacts of mining projects.
   ○ Minimising forest clearance: Implementing measures to minimise forest clearance, such as underground mining or alternative energy sources.
   ○ Reforestation and afforestation: Undertaking large-scale reforestation and afforestation programs to restore degraded forest areas.
   ○ Biodiversity conservation: Establishing protected areas and wildlife corridors to safeguard biodiversity.
2. Community-centric development:
   ○ Community consultation and consent: Ensuring meaningful consultation with affected communities and obtaining their free, prior, and informed consent.
   ○ Just and equitable compensation: Providing fair and adequate compensation to displaced communities, including land, housing, and livelihood rehabilitation packages.
   ○ Skill development and job creation: Investing in skill development programs to equip local communities with skills for alternative livelihoods.
   ○ Social infrastructure development: Improving access to healthcare, education, and other basic amenities in affected areas.
3. Sustainable mining practices:
   ○ Technology adoption: Adopting advanced mining technologies to minimise environmental damage and maximise resource recovery.
   ○ Waste management: Implementing stringent waste management practices to prevent pollution.
   ○ Mine reclamation: Restoring mined-out areas to their original or better condition through reclamation and rehabilitation.

By implementing these strategies, it is possible to create a sustainable framework that supports the socio-economic well-being of tribal populations while preserving the ecological integrity of their forest environments.

PYQ

1. 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 development 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. 2014
2. Land needed for mining, dams and other large-scale projects is acquired mostly from Adivasis, hill dwellers and rural communities. The displaced persons are paid monetary compensation as per the legal provisions. However, the payment is often tardy. In any case, it cannot sustain the displaced families for long. These people do not possess marketable skills to engage in some other occupation. They end up as low paid migrant labourers. Moreover, their living is destroyed. Thus, the benefits of traditional ways of community development go to industries, industrialists and urban communities whereas the costs are passed on to these poor helpless people. This unjust distribution of costs and benefits is unethical. Suppose you have been entrusted with the task of drafting a better compensation-cum-rehabilitation policy for such displaced persons, how would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your suggested policy?2016

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/hasdeo-arand-mining-issue-protest-9641436/