GS4 · UPSC Mains

Littering at popular tourist destinations has become a significant environmental and ethical concern in India. A recent incident highlighted this issue when tourists were observed throwing tissue papers and a cake box on the road after celebrating a birthday. When a local politely requested them to use a nearby dustbin just 5 feet away, the tourists dismissed the appeal, claiming no dustbin was available. The situation escalated when their driver threw a plastic bag into the adjacent valley. Public reactions to the incident were divided. Some individuals commended the intervention as an effort to promote civic responsibility, emphasizing the need to protect fragile ecosystems like hill stations. Many argued that tourists must adhere to basic environmental ethics and that public spaces are a shared responsibility. Critics also highlighted the broader implications of such irresponsible behavior on the environment and local livelihoods. On the other hand, the tourists involved accused those intervening of interfering in their personal affairs, claiming their privacy was being violated. The argument that the tourists were being publicly shamed through the viral video added another layer to the ethical debate. Many questioned whether posting such incidents online, even for a social cause, was appropriate or necessary. The debate continues, with one side emphasizing the collective responsibility to preserve public spaces and the environment, while the other raises concerns about individual privacy and autonomy. (a) What are the ethical concerns associated with tourists littering at public destinations? (b) How can ethical tourism practices be integrated into policies to address issues like littering at tourist destinations? (c) Suggest a course of action that balances environmental responsibility and individual rights. Justify your answer.

20 marks · 250 words · 9 toppers answered this · seen 2025

GS4 · Case studies on the above issues GS4 · Public/civil service values & ethics in public administration — status & problems; ethical concerns & dilemmas; conflict of interest

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