Now-a-days, there is an increasing thrust on economic... | UPSC 2014 GS4 Q9

QUESTION 9

GS4

20 marks

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 developmental 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. (250 words)

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14 min

250 words

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What the examiner wants

Suggest feasible strategies that reconcile economic development with environmental protection.

Case studyName the stakeholders and the issues, weigh the options, and say what you would do and why.

Demand-wise check

1Stakeholders: governments, industry, local and tribal communities, future generations, ecosystems≈50 words
2Ethical issues: intergenerational equity, environmental justice (poor bear costs), precautionary principle vs growth needs≈50 words
3Strategies: green technology and renewables, circular economy, strict EIA with public hearings, green accounting, polluter pays, carbon pricing, eco-sensitive zoning, community forest rights≈50 words
4Chosen path: decoupling growth from emissions, not choosing one over the other≈50 words

Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.

Answer plan

Conflict definedStakeholders and ethical issuesStrategiesConclusion

Where marks usually go

Choosing one side
Vague 'balance' without strategies

Draw this

Venn: economy, society, environment (sustainability)

Value addition

ReportBrundtland Report (1987) defined sustainable development as meeting present needs without compromising future generations.Brundtland Commission, 1987
CaseVellore Citizens' Welfare Forum v Union of India (1996) adopted polluter pays and precautionary principles in Indian law.Supreme Court, 1996

Mapped topper copies

Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.

Aakash Garg · AIR 5 · Page 31 ↗Same syllabus reference
Shakti Dubey · AIR 1 · Page 37 ↗Same syllabus reference
Aakash Garg · AIR 5 · Page 29 ↗Same syllabus reference
Shakti Dubey · AIR 1 · Page 33 ↗Same syllabus reference

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