GS-4 · Case Studies Based on Public Sector Ethics

You are appointed as an officer heading the section in the Environment Pollution Control Board to ensure compliance and its follow-up. In that region, there are a large number of small and medium industries which have been granted clearance. You learn that these industries provide employment to many migrant workers. Most of the industrial units have got an environmental clearance certificate in their possession. The environmental clearance seeks to curb industries and projects that supposedly hamper the environment and living species in the region, but in practice, most of these units remain polluting units in several ways like air, water and soil pollution. As such, local people encounter persistent health problems. It was confirmed that a majority of the industries were violating environmental compliance. You issued notice to all the industrial units to apply for a fresh environmental clearance certificate from the competent authority. However, your action met with a hostile response from a section of the industrial units, other vested interest persons and a section of the local politicians. The workers also became hostile to you as they felt that your action would lead to the closure of these industrial units, and the resultant unemployment would lead to insecurity and uncertainty in their livelihood. Many owners of the industries approached you with the plea that you should not initiate harsh action as it would compel them to close their units, and cause huge financial loss and a shortage of their products in the market. These would obviously add to the sufferings of the labourers and the consumers alike. The labour union also sent you a representation requesting against the closure of the units. You simultaneously started receiving threats from unknown corners. You, however, received support from some of your colleagues, who advised you to act freely to ensure environmental compliance. Local NGOs also came to your support and they demanded the closure of the polluting units immediately. 1) What are the options available to you under the given situation? 2) Critically examine the options listed by you. 3) What type of mechanism would you suggest to ensure environmental compliance? 4) What are the ethical dilemmas you faced in exercising your option?