Case Study: Human Rights | UPSC Mains: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude PDF Download

Q:  You are the Managing Director of Metro Rail Corporation (MRC) of a metropolitan city and you have received orders and funding for construction of the metro track and a parking space in a densely forested area of the city with houses of few underprivileged families as well in it.
For the construction, the forest has to be cleared and the families have to be moved to some other place. The locals have started a protest after knowing about the order. They are highly raged about cutting down thousands of trees and the affected families have also joined them because the forest holds emotional value for them.
On the other hand, the minister who directly controls the MRC is pressuring you to start the felling process as soon as possible. You know that going against his orders will have serious repercussions.
(a) What are the ethical issues involved and the options available to you in such a situation?
(b) Also, suggest a course of action you would like to follow. (250 words)
Ans: Primary Responsibility: As the Managing Director of the Metro Rail Corporation, my primary responsibility is to ensure the project's sustainability while upholding constitutional and ethical obligations toward the environment and the underprivileged.
Gandhian Philosophy: In line with Gandhian principles, public servants act as trustees of natural resources, ensuring that the development process is inclusive, considers everyone's voice, and does not compromise future development needs.

Stakeholders Involved

• Government
• Underprivileged people living in the forest area
• Members of Civil Society protesting against environmental damage
• Metro Rail Corporation
• Future commuters

The ethical issues involved

• Development vs. Environment: With the rising urban population, infrastructural development is crucial to meet increasing demands; however, environmental protection is indispensable for sustaining life and must not be overlooked under any circumstances.
• Rights of the Underprivileged: Development should not come at the expense of marginalized communities, and their rights must be protected at all costs. Displacing people from their homes is unjust and unacceptable.

The various options available are

• Starting the Felling of Trees and Eviction Process: This option adheres to administrative orders but violates universal ethical principles by exploiting nature and infringing on the legal rights of the underprivileged.
• Stopping the Felling of Trees and Eviction Orders: While this action aligns with environmental protection and ethical responsibilities toward marginalized communities, it risks punitive consequences for failing to comply with official orders, especially given the minister's involvement.
• Forming a Committee to Resolve the Issue: This approach allows for inclusive decision-making by incorporating the perspectives of all stakeholders, leading to a peaceful resolution and a more equitable development process.
• Ensuring Project Sustainability: It is crucial to balance development with environmental protection and safeguard the rights of the marginalized to achieve sustainable outcomes.
  • Two-Way Communication: Establish open communication between protestors and authorities, giving both parties an opportunity to present their perspectives.
  • Rehabilitation Plan: Implement a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate evicted individuals, addressing their livelihood, compensation, and rights. The CSR Fund can be utilized to support this effort.
  • Project Redesign: Reevaluate the project design to minimize environmental damage. Create a pooled fund, allocating a percentage of project revenue for environmental restoration.
  • Afforestation Initiative: Encourage protestors to collaborate with local authorities to establish a larger green area in the city. Utilize the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAMPA) for afforestation efforts.
• Independent Committee: Form an independent body comprising civil society members, environmental experts, design engineers, and government representatives to resolve the issue swiftly, minimizing political and public pressure.
• Balancing Development and Environment: While development is essential in a dynamic world, environmental protection, as mandated by the Directive Principles of State Policy, is a state responsibility. Striking a balance between the two is vital for peaceful coexistence.