pyq/2022/gs4/12

You are appointed as an officer heading the section in the Environment Pollution Control Board to ensure compliance and its follow-up. In that region, there were a large number of small and medium industries that had been granted clearance. You learned that these industries provide employment to many migrant workers. Most of the industrial units have environmental clearance certificates in their possession. The environmental clearance seeks to curb industries and projects that supposedly hamper the environment and living species in the region. However, in practice, most of these units continue to pollute air, water, and soil. As a result, local people encountered persistent health problems. It was confirmed that the majority of the industries were violating environmental compliance. You issued notices to all the industrial units to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority. However, your action met with hostile responses from a section of the industrial units, other vested interest persons, and a section of local politicians. The workers also became hostile to you as they felt that your action would lead to the closure of these industrial units, and the resultant unemployment would 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 shut down their units, causing huge financial losses and shortages of their products in the market. These would obviously add to the sufferings of the laborers and consumers alike. The labor union also sent you a representation requesting against the closure of the units. You simultaneously started receiving threats from unknown sources. However, you received support from some of your colleagues, who advised you to act freely to ensure environmental compliance. Local NGOs also came to your support and demanded the immediate closure of the polluting units.

Questions

(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?