UPSC Mains 2017 GS1 Q6 — Natural Resources
“In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development.” Discuss. (150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Discuss
- Scope keywords
- adverse environmental impactcoal miningstill inevitabledevelopment
- Implicit sub-parts
- What are the specific environmental costs associated with coal extraction in India?
- Why can't India immediately shift to 100% renewables (the 'inevitability' factor)?
- How does coal bridge the gap between energy security and economic development goals?
- What is the 'way forward' to balance mining with environmental mitigation (e.g., Just Transition or Coal Gasification)?
- Common pitfalls
- Spending 80% of the word limit only on pollution/global warming without addressing the 'inevitability' of coal for the grid.
- Failing to mention specific Indian contexts like 'baseload power' requirements or the intermittency of solar/wind energy.
- Ignoring the socioeconomic dimension of coal, such as the millions of livelihoods dependent on the mining sector in the 'coal belt'.
- Writing a generic essay on climate change instead of a focused discussion on the trade-off between ecology and development.
- Dimensions required
- Environmental/EcologicalEconomic/IndustrialTechnological (Energy Security)Social (Livelihoods)Policy (Global vs. National Commitments)
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 30 words to the environmental damage caused by mining. Dedicate 70 words to justifying its inevitability through the lens of baseload power, economic growth, and poverty alleviation. Use the remaining 50 words for a balanced conclusion and technological solutions like Carbon Capture or Green Mining.
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