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05 Apr 2025
GS Paper 4
Theoretical Questions
Day 26: More than 100 people died and many others were injured as many houses collapsed in a hilly district, due to landslide. Upon getting information, teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), state police and medical support rushed to the spot. It took over three days to clear the debris and bring out the dead bodies. The condition of the injured is said to be serious. What are the ethical issues involved in the given situation? As sub-divisional magistrate of the area, what would be your first response? (Answer in 200 words)
Approach
- Briefly mention the case.
- Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.
- Mention the short-term and long-term measures to deal with such disasters.
- Conclude appropriately.
Introduction
The above case study represents the case of a natural disaster induced by landslide event which has led to the loss of lives and damage of properties.
The case highlights the various ethical issues involved and demands immediate rescue and rehabilitation measures.
Body
The ethical issues involved in the given situation are:
- The disaster has led to the loss of lives and damage of properties which goes against the idea of the Right to Life under Article 21.
- The disaster has led to environmental damage which is an issue of environmental ethics. It is the responsibility of the State to protect the environment under Article 48A.
- Such disasters also cause widespread death and displacement of animals. Thus, it also involves the case of animal rights violations.
As a Sub-Divisional Magistrate of the area, my response would be in the form of short-term and long-term measures.
Short-term measures:
- Search and rescue efforts should be started at the earliest.
- Emergency health care and injury assessment should be made available.
- Ensuring food and water management.
- Since the hilly areas are famous as tourist places, a helpline should be launched.
- Shelter arrangements for displaced individuals and families.
- Efforts should be taken to restore the supply of essential public goods like food items, medicine etc.
- Hazard removal from unsafe streets, pathways and public areas like broken glass, masonry, etc. should be done to restore public transportation.
Long-term measures:
- The long-term impact assessment of a disaster will be done.
- The District Disaster Management Authority will coordinate with the state and central government to prepare a Landslide Hazard Map.
- Construction activities at more than permissible level will not be allowed.
- The tourists’ footfall will be regulated to promote sustainable tourism.
- Initiatives like Capacity Building of local people will be taken to deal with the disaster as first responders.
Conclusion
These steps will promote sustainable development with the approach of ‘Build Back Better’.
