January 17th, 2025 – GS4

You are the District Magistrate (DM) of a district in the state of Uttarakhand. Ganga river flows through that district. Though the river is considered sacred by millions, it has started facing some ecological challenges. For example, in your district,  the pollution of the river by dumping of untreated sewage, industrial and domestic waste etc. is rampant, leading to turning the river’s colour black. The banks of the river are used by the people of districts for idol immersion and last rites of the departed, which add to the pollution load in the river. Many environmentalists have raised the concerns that its biodiversity has reduced considerably due to high pollution.

Meanwhile, the banks have been encroached on by the poor people of the district as well as migrants. This has led to building of domestic establishments on the river floodplains. Migrant workers demand lower salaries, so the factories with high labour demand have also relocated near the floodplains of the river.

Recently the High court of the state has declared the river as a living entity and given it legal rights. It has also ordered you to clear all the encroachments on the bank of the river in your district. Also, the environmental degradation taking place along the river is gaining national attention due to widespread coverage in the media. 

1. What are the Ethical dilemmas faced by you while following the court order?

2. What course of action will you take to follow the order?

3. What steps can be taken in the long run to maintain ecological sustainability of this river ecosystem by the district administration?