UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 23
In a multi-ethnic district where both economic competition and historical grievances frequently led to community tensions, a flashpoint has arisen with a Government decision to allocate land for a waste management facility near a tribal hamlet, sparking protests by the tribal community, which claimed that the land was sacred and critical to their cultural identity. At the same time, urban residents and local industries supported the project, citing severe solid waste challenges and health concerns due to lack of a proper disposal site. The conflict has escalated with road blockades, social media campaigns, and allegations of police excesses.
As a responsible Government official, you are tasked with resolving the situation through mediation, ensuring a sustainable outcome that balances environmental needs, tribal rights, and urban public health.
Consider the following statements with reference to the above:
- A successful conflict resolution process must begin with acknowledging the cultural concerns of the protesting tribal community before discussing technical alternatives.
- The Government should move ahead with the project without delay to address urban health concerns, which outweigh the sentiments of a small group.
- Creating a multi-stakeholder dialogue platform — including tribal leaders, environmental experts, and municipal representatives — to build mutual understanding and help de-escalate tensions.
- Conducting an independent Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and sharing findings transparently with both sides to facilitate evidence-based decision-making.
Which of the statements given above would contribute to the resolution process?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Correct Option: A
Explanation: Fair mediation must recognise tribal cultural rights, involve affected parties and use transparent environmental/social evidence rather than overriding a marginalised community.
Statement-wise Analysis:
Statement 1: Correct - Recognising sacred-land concerns builds trust and respects community rights.
Statement 2: Incorrect - Pushing ahead regardless of tribal claims is coercive and risks deeper conflict.
Statement 3: Correct - Inclusive dialogue among leaders, experts and officials can de-escalate tensions.
Statement 4: Correct - Independent ESIA and shared evidence make choices more informed and accountable.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Correct - This option includes the supported item(s) and excludes the unsupported ones.
B: Incorrect - Includes unsupported item(s) 2 and omits supported item(s) 1.
C: Incorrect - Includes unsupported item(s) 2 and omits supported item(s) 3, 4.
D: Incorrect - Includes unsupported item(s) 2.