DC

DEEKSHA CHOURASIYAAIR 44· 2025

Question Q.10Identify, Evaluate, Adopt, DiscussGS4GS2

A forest fire has broken out in a hilly district and is rapidly spreading toward an eco-sensitive area that includes four villages (ESA villages). These villages lie along the forest fringe and are surrounded by difficult terrain. The region is known for its biodiversity and traditional forest-based livelihoods. The inhabitants of these villages are mostly non-tribal communities, dependent on forest resources for their sustenance. You, as the District Magistrate of the area, have rushed to the spot with a medical team, police personnel, NGOs, media, and support staff to oversee the rescue and containment operations. Your disaster response team on the ground is small and poorly equipped. Reinforcements from the district head-quarter have been requested, but they may take several hours to arrive due to the remoteness and challenging terrain. In the meantime, a group of trained ex-forest guards and local youth from the villages offer to help. They are experienced and familiar with the area. However, existing government rules do not permit the engagement of unofficial personnel in fire control operations without formal clearance and insurance coverage. Your team members are divided on this issue. Some members argue that volunteers should be engaged immediately to prevent the fire from spreading. Others caution that involving them without prior approval and safety cover could be risky and against protocol. As the District Magistrate, you are also the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). The fire is spreading at a very rapid rate, and immediate action is required to protect lives, property, and the environment. You are now in a dilemma. a) What are the options available to you? b) Critically evaluate each of the options identified by you. c) What option would you adopt and why? d) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you? (20 marks, 250 words)

Open scan (p.41)

Introduction

Forest fires have become frequent due to human negligence and lack of mitigation effort

14 words

Main Body

Forest fires have become frequent due to human negligence and lack of mitigation effort

G5 - recent uttarkhand fire The case study requires[prompt] decision making and [empowerment] clericiousness over the issue.

Options available to me as DM:

3Do not include members and volunteers in fire control.

├─ (Merit) lawful approach

│ ├─ secure safety and life of villagers

│ └─ (Code of Conduct)

└─ (Demerit) rule based order over states the emergency needs

└─ Can aid in putting out fire

└─ Share weakbare ethos.

2Use for reinforcements and formal clearance

├─ (Merit) rule & law uphold.

│ ├─ Procedural Justice

│ └─ Civil time gone

│ └─ Widespread spreading of fire

│ └─ Shows (lack of strategic vision

└─ (Demerit) actions on me for going against the rule.

Shave webberdan ethos.

Persons for adopting II option as my course :-

1Apada dharma - emergency required quick despense (op standoff)
3Conserve biodiversity and livelihood (Article 21 and (a))
3Rule of circumstances over Rule of law → against the strict webberdan bureaucracy
4Agile approach to disaster - needed

Ethical Dilemma:

1Rule of law vs Rule of circumstances
2Public and environment welfare (Utilitarian vs Deontological narrative of following rules/procedures)
3Safety as law vs Safety at many
4Responsibility of leadership vs Treat of punishment.

Persons for adopting II option as my course :-

1Apada dharma - emergency required quick despense (op standoff)
2Conserve Biodiversity and livelihood (Article 21 and (a))
3Rule of circumstances over Rule of law → against the strict webberdan bureaucracy
4Agile approach to disaster - needed

Ethical Dilemma:

1Rule of law vs Rule of circumstances
2Public and environment welfare (Utilitarian vs Deontological narrative of following rules/procedures)
3Safety as law vs Safety at many
4Responsibility of leadership vs Treat of punishment.

I will abide by my conscience to preserve forest villages.

318 words13 paragraphs

Conclusion

I will abide by my conscience to preserve forest villages.

10 words

Diagram

A structured diagram showing options for District Magistrate with Merit (Lawful approach, secure safety, Code of Conduct) and Demerit (rule based order, emergency needs, can aid in putting out fire, share welfare ethos) branches

Topper

DEEKSHA CHOURASIYA

AIR 442025

Subject & Paper

GS4GS2

Topic

Ethics

Governance in Crisis Situations

Disaster Management, Rule vs. Discretion, Public Safety

Writing Stats

342

Total words

13

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone