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[Solved] UPSC Ethics 2025 PYQ Case Study – Roti, Kapda aur Makan: Forest Land, Housing and Ethical Balance
UPSC CSE | GS IV Ethics Paper | Case Study 2
Q. In line with the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Indian Constitution, the government has a constitutional obligation to ensure basic needs – “Roti, Kapda aur Makan (Food, Clothes and Shelter)” – for the under-privileged.
Pursuing this mandate, the district administration proposed clearing a portion of forest land to develop housing for the homeless and economically weaker sections of the society.
The proposed land, however, is an ecologically sensitive zone densely populated with age-old trees, medicinal plants and vital biodiversity. Besides, these forests help to regulate micro-climate and rainfalls; provide habitat for wildlife, support soil fertility and prevent land/soil erosion and sustain livelihoods of tribal and nomadic communities.
Inspite of the ecological and social costs, the administration argues in favour of the said proposal by highlighting that this very initiative addresses fundamental human rights as a critical welfare priority. Besides, it fulfils the government’s duty to uplift and empower the poor through inclusive housing development. Further, these forest areas have become unsafe due to wild-animal threats and recurring human-wild life conflicts. Lastly, clearing forest-zones may help to curb anti-social elements allegedly using these areas as hideouts, thereby enhancing law and order.
(a) Can deforestation be ethically justified in the pursuit of social welfare objectives like, housing for the homeless?
(b) What are the socio-economic, administrative and ethical challenges in balancing environmental conservation with human development?
(c) What substantial alternatives or policy interventions can be proposed to ensure that both environmental integrity and human dignity are protected?
Introduction
This case represents a classic ethical dilemma between environmental conservation and human development. The state must balance its constitutional duty to improve citizens’ living standards under Article 47 with its responsibility under Article 48A to protect forests and biodiversity. The challenge lies in reconciling welfare objectives with long-term ecological sustainability.
Stakeholders
District administration,
Homeless and economically weaker sections,
Tribal and nomadic communities,
Environmental activists,
Wildlife and future generations,
Law enforcement and state agencies.
(a) Can deforestation be ethically justified?
While providing housing to the poor fulfills a humanitarian and constitutional mandate, large-scale deforestation cannot be ethically justified unless all sustainable alternatives have been exhausted.
Ethically, decisions must go beyond anthropocentric reasoning. As Aldo Leopold’s Land Ethic states, moral responsibility extends to land and biodiversity itself. Cutting ecologically sensitive forests risks intergenerational injustice and long-term environmental damage.
Deforestation, therefore, can be justified only as a last resort—and even then, accompanied by strict ecological restoration, afforestation, and compensatory planning measures.
(b) Challenges in Balancing Development and Conservation
Socio-economic Challenges
Loss of livelihood for forest-dependent and tribal communities.
Potential increase in poverty, displacement, and forced migration.
Breakdown of traditional community systems and local culture.
Administrative Challenges
Conflict between housing and environmental laws (e.g., Forest Rights Act 2006).
Difficulty enforcing environmental norms during development.
Risk of protests, litigation, and misuse of land due to weak coordination.
Ethical Challenges
Conflict between welfare of the poor and environmental justice.
Short-term relief versus long-term ecological harm.
Anthropocentric bias overriding eco-centric values.
(c) Substantial Alternatives and Policy Interventions
1. Land Prioritisation & In-situ Development
Use degraded, barren, or non-forest land before touching ecologically sensitive zones.
2. Vertical and Compact Housing Models
Promote multi-storey affordable housing to minimise land requirement.
3. Ecologically Sensitive Planning
Adopt minimum clearance norms, compensatory afforestation, and strict ecological restoration.
4. Community-Based Forest Management
Engage local communities and tribal groups in conservation-linked livelihood programs.
5. Integrated Policy Framework
Ensure coordination between welfare, environment, and forest ministries with transparent environmental impact assessments and public consultations.
Conclusion
The pursuit of social welfare cannot come at the cost of ecological destruction. The ethically sustainable path lies in inclusive development that preserves environmental integrity while protecting human dignity. A balanced policy rooted in constitutional morality, sustainable planning, and participatory governance is the true reflection of ethical public administration.
Video Reference:
Watch the full discussion by Piyush Kumar Sinha Sir on Ethics Edge Series – Click here