Previous Year Question
During the mid 80's decade of twentieth century, the negative aspects of development were discussed at large. Which one among the following was NOT such important?
Degradation of natural resources
Environment pollution
Politics and Development
Displacement and Rehabilitation of masses
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
Option (a), degradation of natural resources, was an important negative aspect. Rapid industrialisation, large development projects, deforestation, mining and intensive resource use increasingly raised concerns about degradation of forests, land, water and other natural resources as an environmental cost of development.
Option (b), environmental pollution, was also an important negative aspect. With industrial expansion and urbanisation, concerns about air, water and industrial pollution increased significantly. This contributed to questioning an approach to development based only on production and income growth.
Option (d), displacement and rehabilitation of masses, was also an important issue. Displacement caused by large dams, mines, industries and infrastructure projects raised questions about how the benefits and costs of development were distributed. Livelihood restoration, compensation and rehabilitation of displaced populations became important development concerns.
Option (c), Politics and Development, is not a specific negative consequence of development in this sense. The relationship between Politics and Development is itself a broad field of study, but it is not a direct negative impact comparable to natural-resource degradation, pollution or mass displacement.
During this period, the understanding of development was also changing. Economic growth alone was increasingly considered insufficient; environmental impacts, social costs, resource sustainability and the condition of affected communities also became important dimensions of development assessment.