UPSC Mains 2018 GS2 Q6 — Environmental Policy
“Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate ‘protection and prevention of degradation’ to environment.” Comment with relevant illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Comment
- Scope keywords
- Policy contradictionscompeting sectors and stakeholdersinadequate protection and prevention of degradationenvironment
- Implicit sub-parts
- Identify specific policy-to-policy conflicts (e.g., Development vs. Conservation) that lead to environmental lapses.
- Analyze how diverse stakeholders (Industry, Tribal groups, State vs. Center) have opposing goals.
- Explain the institutional or legal 'loopholes' created by these contradictions.
- Provide specific case studies or 'illustrations' where these conflicts resulted in environmental damage.
- Common pitfalls
- Writing a general essay on 'Environmental Pollution' rather than focusing on the 'Policy Contradictions' aspect.
- Failing to name specific stakeholders (e.g., mining corporations vs. forest dwellers) or sectors (e.g., Renewable energy infra vs. Wildlife corridors).
- Ignoring the 'Prevention' aspect and focusing only on 'Protection' after the damage is done.
- Providing generic illustrations instead of specific Indian examples like Ken-Betwa Link, Char Dham Project, or Coastal Regulation Zone dilutions.
- Dimensions required
- Legislative/Legal conflictsEconomic vs. Ecological imperativesFederal/Inter-state dynamicsSectoral overlaps (e.g., Agriculture vs. Water security)Judicial interpretations
- Marks allocation hint
Spend approximately 30 words on the introductory context of policy silos. Devote 50 words to identifying 2-3 core policy contradictions (e.g., Ease of Doing Business vs. EIA norms), 50 words to specific illustrations/case studies, and 20 words for a forward-looking conclusion on integrated landscape management.
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