UPSC Prelims 2026 · Question 77 of 96
UPSC Prelims 2026 question on Ethnic Conflict Resolution Steps
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2026
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectPolity
- TopicGovernance
- DifficultyHard
- TypeStatement
In a multi-ethnic district where both economic competition and historical grievances frequently led to community tensions, a flashpoint has arisen with a Government decision to allocate land for a waste management facility near a tribal hamlet, sparking protests by the tribal community, which claimed that the land was sacred and critical to their cultural identity. At the same time, urban residents and local industries supported the project, citing severe solid waste challenges and health concerns due to lack of a proper disposal site. The conflict has escalated with road blockades, social media campaigns, and allegations of police excesses.
As a responsible Government official, you are tasked with resolving the situation through mediation, ensuring a sustainable outcome that balances environmental needs, tribal rights, and urban public health.
Consider the following statements with reference to the above:
1. A successful conflict resolution process must begin with acknowledging the cultural concerns of the protesting tribal community before discussing technical alternatives.
2. The Government should move ahead with the project without delay to address urban health concerns, which outweigh the sentiments of a small group.
3. Creating a multi-stakeholder dialogue platform, including tribal leaders, environmental experts, and municipal representatives, to build mutual understanding and help de-escalate tensions.
4. Conducting an independent Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and sharing findings transparently with both sides to facilitate evidence-based decision-making.
Which of the statements given above would contribute to the resolution process?
Show answer
Answer: A. 1, 3 and 4 only
Conflict resolution in ethnically sensitive disputes must begin with an empathetic acknowledgement of the cultural, emotional, and identity-related concerns of the affected community, particularly tribal groups whose relationship with land is often deeply rooted in tradition and heritage (Statement 1). Such recognition helps build trust and creates the foundation for constructive dialogue.
Further, establishing an inclusive multi-stakeholder platform involving tribal representatives, environmental experts, civil society members, and municipal authorities is essential for promoting mutual understanding and reducing tensions (Statement 3). Participatory dialogue strengthens democratic decision-making and enhances the legitimacy of the resolution process.
In addition, conducting an independent and transparent Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) ensures that decisions are based on objective evidence and that all stakeholders are adequately informed about the social, cultural, and environmental consequences of the project (Statement 4).
On the other hand, Statement 2 advocates proceeding with the project by disregarding the concerns of the tribal community on the ground that they constitute a 'small group'. Such an approach is inconsistent with the principles of natural justice, participatory governance, and constitutional protections available to tribal communities under legislations such as the Forest Rights Act, 2006 and the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996. It also violates the principle of free, prior, and informed consent and is likely to aggravate rather than resolve the conflict.
Therefore, only Statements 1, 3, and 4 represent legitimate and sustainable conflict-resolution strategies consistent with administrative ethics, democratic governance, and Gandhian principles of dialogue and consensus-building. The answer is Option (a).