UPSC Mains 2016 GS3 Q14 — Environmental Impact
Rehabilitation of human settlements is one of the important environmental impacts which always attracts controversy while planning major projects. Discuss the measures suggested for mitigation of this impact while proposing major developmental projects. (Answer in not more than 200 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Discuss
- Scope keywords
- Rehabilitation of human settlementsenvironmental impactsattracts controversyplanning major projectsmeasures suggested for mitigation
- Implicit sub-parts
- Why is rehabilitation categorized specifically as an 'environmental impact' in the context of EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment)?
- What are the specific socio-economic and psychological roots of the 'controversy' mentioned?
- What are the statutory and policy-based mitigation measures (e.g., RFCTLARR Act 2013) currently suggested?
- How can community participation and 'Social Impact Assessment' act as preemptive mitigation tools?
- Common pitfalls
- Focusing only on ecological impacts (forests/biodiversity) while ignoring the human/social rehabilitation aspect requested.
- Writing a generic essay on 'Development vs. Environment' without mentioning specific mitigation frameworks like the LARR Act 2013 or NRRP.
- Failing to explain *why* it is controversial, such as the loss of 'cultural capital' or 'in-situ' vs 'ex-situ' settlement issues.
- Neglecting the 'planning' phase mentioned in the question, focusing only on post-facto compensation rather than preventive planning.
- Dimensions required
- Legal/Statutory (RFCTLARR Act)Socio-Economic (Livelihood restoration)Environmental (EIA and SIA integration)Ethical/Rights-based (Free, Prior and Informed Consent)Administrative (Implementation machinery)
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 40-50 words to briefly explaining the nexus between displacement and environmental degradation and why it's controversial. Devote the bulk (120-130 words) to specific mitigation measures such as Social Impact Assessments, 'Land for Land' policies, and sustainable livelihood restoration. Reserve 20-30 words for a forward-looking conclusion on inclusive development.
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