Balancing Development and Environmental Protection | 25 Apr 2023

Rahul is a young and ambitious civil servant who has recently joined the Indian Administrative Services. He is appointed as the District Magistrate (DM) of a small district in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

One day, Rahul receives a call from a local politician who asks him to grant permission for a mining project in the district. The politician claims that the project will bring in investment and create job opportunities for the local people.

Rahul studies the project proposal and finds out that the mining project will cause significant damage to the environment, including the destruction of forests and water bodies. The project will also displace several tribal communities who have been living in the area for generations.

Rahul is faced with a dilemma. On the one hand, he wants to promote development in the district and create job opportunities for the local people. On the other hand, he is aware of his duty to protect the environment and safeguard the rights of the tribal communities.

What should Rahul do in this situation?