“Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate ‘protection and prevention of degradation’ to environment.” Comment with relevant illustrations. (UPSC 2018)

Policy contradictions arise when growth, energy, food and security goals are pursued without a common ecological framework, weakening Article 48A and 51A(g).

• Development vs conservation: Roads, ports and border projects in forests and the Himalayas often get fast clearances while forest rights and wildlife safeguards are delayed.
• Green energy vs biodiversity: Solar parks and transmission lines in Rajasthan and Gujarat have threatened the Great Indian Bustard, showing renewable projects can damage fragile habitats if poorly planned.
• Agriculture vs ecology: Free power, water and fertiliser encourage water-intensive crops, groundwater depletion, stubble burning and air pollution.
• Industry vs precaution: Lenient environmental clearances and retrospective approvals protect investment but weaken pollution control and public health.

Thus, environmental protection remains inadequate unless sectoral policies are integrated through strict enforcement, local consent and ecological valuation.