It is a State where prohibition is in force. You are recently appointed as the Superintendent of Police of a district notorious for illicit distillation of liquor. The illicit liquor leads to many death, reported and unreported, and causes a major problem for the district authorities.The approach till now had been to view it as a law and order problem and tackle it accordingly. Raids, arrest, police cases, and criminal trials – all these had only limited impact. The problem remains as serious as ever.Your inspections show that the parts of the district where the distillation flourishes are economically, industrially and educationally backward. Agriculture is badly affected by poor irrigation facilities. Frequent clashes among communities gave boost to illicit distillation. No major initiatives had taken place in the past either from the government’s side or from social organizations to improve the lot of the people. Which new approach will you adopt to bring the problem under control? (250 words)

Ethics

Ethics: Case Study

2018

20 Marks

The case presents a complex environmental-industrial conflict where economic development clashes with public health and environmental protection. The factory closure has created a multifaceted crisis requiring balanced administrative intervention addressing both environmental concerns and economic displacement.

Stakeholders

Primary: Affected communities, factory workers, ancillary unit employees, dependent industries, state government
Secondary: Environmental agencies, civil society organizations, future generations, neighboring states

Addressing the Crisis

Immediate Measures

Conduct comprehensive environmental impact assessment through Central Pollution Control Board to determine actual damage extent
Establish emergency medical camps for affected population with specialized treatment for pollution-related ailments
Deploy National Disaster Response Force for maintaining law and order while ensuring peaceful dialogue
Create interim financial assistance scheme for displaced workers under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana framework

Rehabilitation Strategy

Implement skill development programs through Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana for retraining displaced workers in green technologies
Facilitate industrial relocation to designated industrial zones with proper environmental clearances following Environmental Impact Assessment Notification 2006
Establish alternative livelihood opportunities through MGNREGA and promote sustainable agriculture practices in affected areas
Create industrial rehabilitation fund with corporate contribution for affected ancillary units

Long-term Solutions

Develop comprehensive industrial policy mandating Article 48A compliance for environmental protection
Establish green industrial corridors following National Manufacturing Policy guidelines with built-in environmental safeguards
Implement polluter pays principle as per Supreme Court directives ensuring corporate accountability
Create environmental monitoring mechanisms with community participation following Right to Information Act

Stakeholder Engagement

Conduct public consultations involving all affected parties for consensus building
Establish grievance redressal mechanism ensuring transparent communication
Partner with civil society organizations for effective implementation monitoring

This balanced approach ensures environmental protection while addressing legitimate economic concerns, reflecting the administrative principle that "development without environmental consciousness is destruction in disguise."

Answer Length

Model answers may exceed the word limit for better clarity and depth. Use them as a guide, but always frame your final answer within the exam’s prescribed limit.

In just 60 sec