Case analyzed by Parag V. Soni/Division B/102

AssignmentBhavnath Temple

Case Study

20th September, 2010(Monday)Suitable Case Title:

Summary of the Case:

After the country got the freedom in 1947, the government diverted their attention to all round economic development. As a result of it, the Bombay government came up with a proposal to build a dam on Lokmata and Sadmata River in north Gujarat. After detailed analysis, studying the feasibility aspects and looking at the better prospects, the government then decided to relocate the people of affected area and take care of their livelihood.

After that, the government came up with 2nd proposal with a thorough technical study which would further increase the benefits of social and economic developmental. But the opposition from the people was a problem as a very old and ancient time’s temple of Bhavnath was coming in between the construction of the dam which was strongly opposed by the villagers of that area.

Defining Problems:

1. To relocate the people and take care of their livelihood was a difficult task as a result of which the govt. had to check the feasibility again in 1960 which was before checked in 1947 at a very first proposal

2. Protests from the farmers will be a problem as there is no guarantee that farmers who will lose their land due to dam would get the same fertile land later. The relocation might not give the same advantage. So, I think in both the proposals, the protest from farmers was a major problem

3. The location of Bhavnath temple was a major problem as it was very old and of ancient times of Rishi Bhrugu. Inhabitants might have religious and emotional value attached to it and therefore, they are not agree to the proposal

4. Also, the people and traders as mentioned in the case seems to be affected as new location would not attract the same number of tourists and they would leave like anything

Case analyzed by Parag V. Soni/Division B/102

5. Also the jobs of farm workers and other villagers would have to be compromised if the dam is constructed, leading to a creation of new problem

6. The problems are also not less to the government because the government has to choose between the public support and economic development

Identifying and Evaluating Alternative Solutions:

Here, as the objective is to build the dam that would lead to social, economical and agricultural development, the alternative solutions can be recommended.

As far as solutions are concerned, I have four solutions to decide upon:

1. The govt. need to convince the people fully by a mean of negotiation and meetings and make sure that affected people get their land at other locations and livelihood

2. The 1st proposal mentioned in the case to relocate the people and taking care of their livelihood is a very good solution. Though, I think it will invite opposition (protest) from the farmers and villagers. For that they will have to assure the people of the benefits of social, economic benefits the state would receive and personal benefits they would get

3. In case of problem related to temple of Bhavnath, it can be protected from H.F.L. (Highest Flood Level) by building the gates on water and thereby not shifting the temple

4. The other option of relocation of temple would for sure, invite strong opposition from the villagers, farmers, priests, worshippers, and publics (Other Interested Parties). This option either can be implemented and temple can be relocated by negotiation or forcefully against the oppositions. The govt. always has a right to diminish any property of the nation for the sake of nation’s development. But this would lead to creation of riots if implemented forcefully. Even the second option was strongly proposed after a due technical study considering the rising levels of all the 3 controls(H.F.L., F.S.L. and R.L.) and irrigation potential in meetings

Selecting the Best Option:

I think the government should go for the second option of relocation of temple and obvious one of shifting people and taking care of their livelihood as it would promise better economic, social and agricultural benefits. Also, it

Case analyzed by Parag V. Soni/Division B/102

would raise the irrigation potential by raising the capacity of the reservoir and by increasing the three control levels and thereby agricultural production. But the dilemma is that it would invite disagreement from the residents because of their religious and emotional value attached to it.

Implementing the Best Option:

As far as implementation of the best option mentioned above is concerned, it would for sure increase the strength of nation in economy and agriculture. But the dilemma is that it would invite opposition. For this, the govt. must convince people to see a long term growth of the state and nation as a whole.

They may be paid better and fertile land than this. They may be secured with livelihood by giving them government jobs or settling monetary returns up to their due period from the resifting to a new place of livelihood. They may be convinced to be reimbursed by assigning the job of constructing the dam. As far as relocation of temple is concerned, I think it would be not at all impossible. They may tell people about the benefits of this project and nation development. Even, the government can promise the village to build a new, bigger and a better temple at alternative place than this.