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Question

Keeping the national security in mind, examine the ethical dilemmas related to controversies over environmental clearance of development projects in ecologically sensitive border areas in the country.

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2025 (Prelims) CSAT Official Paper (25-May-2025)

The issue of environmental clearance for projects in sensitive border areas presents a stark ethical dilemma: national security versus ecological security and the rights of indigenous communities.

On one hand, infrastructure projects like roads and airfields are critical for rapid troop movement and regional development, strengthening national security against external threats. Delaying these projects can be seen as compromising the nation’s safety.

On the other hand, these regions are often biodiversity hotspots and home to indigenous communities. Rushing clearances can cause irreversible ecological damage, leading to landslides and loss of unique flora and fauna. It also raises the ethical question of procedural justice, as the rights and traditional knowledge of local communities may be overlooked.

The core dilemma for a decision-maker is balancing the immediate, tangible need for security infrastructure against the long-term, often irreparable, costs of environmental degradation and the moral obligation to protect vulnerable populations.

Answered By:

Sakshi Negi

Sakshi Negi is a Delhi-based journalist and content specialist with expertise in educational content and digital media, focusing particularly on government exam preparation and career guidance. With a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from NRAI School of Mass Communication and her background as a Kendriya Vidyalaya alumna, she brings unique insights into the Indian education system and government sector opportunities.

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