Mains Marathon

Day 46: You are Rahul, an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer posted as the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Coordinator in a hilly district of a Himalayan state. The region is prone to natural disasters such as landslides, flash floods, and particularly cloudbursts.

Recently, a devastating cloudburst hit the upper valley, killing several people, damaging houses, destroying forest cover, and washing away critical infrastructure, including a small hydroelectric dam. Preliminary assessments indicate that unscientific construction on fragile slopes, deforestation, and lax environmental clearances contributed to the scale of the disaster.

A confidential report from the local geologist suggests that warnings about vulnerable zones and probable cloudburst areas were ignored by the district administration due to pressure from political leaders and real estate lobbies.

Now, a Central Team is visiting the area to assess the situation. You are asked to prepare a report on the causes and response to the disaster. However, your senior bureaucrats and the political leadership direct you to downplay environmental negligence and instead attribute the event entirely to “natural, unpredictable forces.” You are warned that highlighting administrative lapses may affect your future postings and promotions.

Meanwhile, grieving villagers, displaced tribals, and climate activists are demanding transparency, accountability, and sustainable reconstruction policies.

A. What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Rahul in this case?

B. Evaluate the options available to him and the consequences of each.

C. Suggest the best course of action for Rahul. Justify with ethical reasoning and principles of good governance.  (250 words)