Table of Contents

APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 17/03/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (17-03-2025).

Mains Question

“Balancing economic development with environmental and cultural conservation remains a major challenge in policy-making. Discuss this statement in the context of the recent mining controversy in Mayong Hill, Assam. Suggest measures to ensure sustainable development while preserving ecological and historical heritage.” (GS Paper 3: Environment, Governance, Sustainable Development)

Model Answer

Introduction

Economic development often comes at the cost of environmental degradation and cultural loss, posing a challenge for policymakers. The recent controversy over the proposed limestone mining in Mayong Hill, Assam, highlights this dilemma. While the government argues that mining can boost Assam’s industrial and economic growth, environmentalists and locals oppose it due to ecological damage, biodiversity loss, and threats to Mayong’s historical heritage.

To ensure sustainable development, it is crucial to balance industrial expansion with environmental protection and cultural preservation.

Significance of Mayong Hill: Cultural, Environmental & Economic Aspects

✅ 1. Historical & Cultural Importance

Mayong is known as “India’s Land of Black Magic”, holding a unique place in Assamese folklore.
Home to archaeological relics, ancient manuscripts, and tantric traditions.
A major tourism destination, attracting historians and cultural enthusiasts.

✅ 2. Ecological Significance

Part of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, home to one-horned rhinoceroses, elephants, and migratory birds.
Dense forests and rich biodiversity, crucial for maintaining Assam’s ecosystem.
Acts as a natural carbon sink, regulating climate and preventing soil erosion.

✅ 3. Economic & Industrial Potential

Limestone mining can boost Assam’s cement and construction industries.
Generates employment and government revenue through mining royalties.
Enhances infrastructure development and industrialization in the region.

Challenges of Mining in Mayong Hill

✅ 1. Environmental Degradation & Loss of Biodiversity

Mining leads to deforestation, habitat destruction, and ecosystem imbalance.
Water pollution from mining waste can contaminate nearby rivers and wetlands.
Air pollution and dust emissions affect both human health and wildlife.

✅ 2. Threat to Cultural & Tourism Potential

Damage to ancient sites and manuscripts due to excavation and industrial activities.
Loss of eco-tourism revenue, affecting the livelihoods of local communities.

✅ 3. Conflict Between Development & Local Communities

Locals fear displacement, loss of farmland, and loss of traditional occupations.
Absence of community consultation before granting mining leases leads to opposition.

✅ 4. Weak Environmental Governance & Regulatory Challenges

Lack of strict Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) before granting mining permits.
Illegal mining risks, as past incidents in Assam show poor enforcement of environmental laws.
Deforestation increases Assam’s vulnerability to floods and climate change.

Measures for Sustainable Development in Mayong

✅ 1. Strengthening Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) & Legal Safeguards

Mandatory independent environmental reviews before approving industrial projects.
Declaring Mayong as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) to prevent high-impact activities.

✅ 2. Promoting Alternative Economic Models

Developing Mayong as a heritage and eco-tourism hub instead of mining.
Encouraging organic farming and sustainable industries like bamboo-based products.
Expanding handicrafts, local art, and cultural tourism initiatives.

✅ 3. Adopting Sustainable & Scientific Mining Practices

Using environment-friendly mining technologies to reduce ecological damage.
Strict afforestation and wildlife conservation mandates for mining companies.
Developing a ‘No-Go’ mining policy for ecologically and culturally sensitive zones.

✅ 4. Community Participation in Decision-Making

Conducting public hearings and local consultations before granting mining leases.
Providing alternative employment and skill development programs for affected communities.
Ensuring fair compensation for land loss and strict rehabilitation policies.

✅ 5. Strengthening Governance & Law Enforcement

Strict monitoring of mining activities using satellite tracking and AI-based surveillance.
Regular audits of industrial projects to ensure compliance with environmental laws.
Imposing heavier penalties on illegal mining operations and deforestation violations.

Way Forward

✅ 1. Revisiting the Mining Proposal with a Sustainable Development Approach

Relocating mining activities to non-eco-sensitive regions with fewer environmental risks.
Strengthening regulations for mining projects near protected areas like Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.

✅ 2. Promoting Ecotourism & Cultural Heritage Conservation

Expanding eco-tourism policies that promote heritage conservation.
Collaborating with international heritage organizations like UNESCO to preserve Mayong’s historical sites.

✅ 3. Investing in Renewable & Sustainable Industrial Alternatives

Encouraging industries based on green technologies and alternative construction materials.
Developing carbon credit incentives for companies investing in reforestation and conservation.

✅ 4. Strengthening Assam’s Environmental & Heritage Policies

Updating Assam’s state-level environmental policies to include stricter mining regulations.
Designating Mayong as a protected heritage site under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Conclusion

The Mayong mining controversy highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental and cultural conservation. While industrial expansion is essential for Assam’s economic progress, unsustainable mining practices in eco-sensitive zones can lead to irreversible damage.

By focusing on sustainable tourism, responsible mining, and community-driven conservation, Assam can achieve long-term economic benefits without sacrificing its cultural and ecological heritage. Stronger governance, scientific policies, and local participation will be key to ensuring a sustainable and inclusive development model for Assam’s future.

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