GS4 · UPSC Mains
You are the Chairman of a Coastal Development Authority of a state, tasked with preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) of construction of a coastal highway. It is an ambitious project aimed to enhance connectivity and promote tourism in the scenic coastal region of the state. The initial DPR, meticulously crafted by your team, prioritizes minimizing environmental impact by utilizing existing government land and adhering to stringent guidelines on land acquisition and compensation for affected stakeholders. The proposed route ensures minimal disruption to local fishing communities and preserves critical coastal habitats. However, challenges arise when a wealthy real estate developer, with ties to influential policymakers, proposes a significant alteration to the highway route. He suggests moving the highway closer to a resort he plans to develop, arguing that it would spur tourism and economic growth in the area. In exchange, he offers to facilitate the acquisition of beachfront property at a nominal rate for your family, highlighting it as a mutually beneficial arrangement. This proposed realignment would require acquiring privately owned coastal lands, displacing traditional fishing communities, and potentially disturbing fragile marine ecosystems. Moreover, it would involve the removal of significant coastal vegetation, impacting local biodiversity and the natural beauty of the region. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you? Critically examine each of the options. b) What course of action would you adopt to navigate the situation and why?
GS4 · Case studies on the above issues
| Topper | Rank | Source | Copy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lakshay Aggarwal | AIR 164 · 2025 | Forumias | p.45 |
| Farkhanda Qureshi | — · 2024 | Forumias | p.46 |