Q. Keeping the national security in mind, examine the ethical dilemmas related to controversies over environmental clearance of development projects in ecologically sensitive border areas in the country.

Model Answer:

Development projects in ecologically sensitive border areas present a fundamental ethical conflict between national security imperatives and environmental conservation obligations. India’s borders overlap with biodiversity hotspots, housing indigenous communities whose livelihoods depend on these fragile ecosystems.

Key Ethical Dilemmas:

• Security vs Conservation Trade-off: Border infrastructure for territorial integrity threatens pristine ecosystems and endangered species. The utilitarian approach prioritizes national security over localized environmental damage (Char Dham road project).

• Transparency vs Strategic Secrecy: Public Trust Doctrine demands environmental accountability, but security concerns necessitate confidentiality in project planning, creating democratic deficit (fast-tracked clearances without consultation).

• Inter-generational Equity: Current security benefits come at the cost of irreversible environmental degradation for future generations—deforestation, biodiversity loss, water source disruption (Himalayan ecosystem damage).

• Development Distribution: While security benefits reach all citizens, negative impacts disproportionately affect local communities through displacement and livelihood loss (indigenous rights violations).

Way Forward:

Strengthening participatory EIA processes, adopting landscape-level planning over isolated project assessment, and exploring eco-friendly alternatives like bio-engineering techniques can help. Technology-based surveillance can reduce physical infrastructure needs. Community involvement as environmental custodians with benefit-sharing mechanisms ensures inclusive development.

Conclusion:
Sustainable security paradigm integrating ecological considerations strengthens long-term national interests beyond temporary strategic gains.