Q.4 A private company has proposed a large-scale hydel power project to tap the potential of a fast-flowing river in a state predominantly occupied by indigenous tribal groups. The state is backward and badly needs funds for socio-economic development. The state government is deliberating on the issue and is yet to take a final decision on the matter. While the project is expected to generate substantial revenue and employment, it will submerge the surrounding areas eventually displacing the tribals. Another issue of concern is that the tribal community regards this land and the river as sacred and integral to their cultural heritage. Thus, the tribals are not in favour of going ahead with the project and are already protesting against it. Their leader has threatened to initiate a hunger strike if the government goes ahead with the project. This has caught the attention of the mainstream media and social activists. Based on the information given above, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case and their respective interests. (b) Keeping in mind the issues involved, how can differing interests be reconciled for ensuring sustainable development in the area? (20 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments-

  • Introduce by mentioning the conflict involved in this particular case study.
  • In part (a), list down the stakeholders and their interests.
  • In part (b), suggest ways to adopt a solution that is both sustainable and fair.
  • In conclusion, emphasize upon the importance of co-existence.

Comments

14 responses to “Q.4 A private company has proposed a large-scale hydel power project to tap the potential of a fast-flowing river in a state predominantly occupied by indigenous tribal groups. The state is backward and badly needs funds for socio-economic development. The state government is deliberating on the issue and is yet to take a final decision on the matter. While the project is expected to generate substantial revenue and employment, it will submerge the surrounding areas eventually displacing the tribals. Another issue of concern is that the tribal community regards this land and the river as sacred and integral to their cultural heritage. Thus, the tribals are not in favour of going ahead with the project and are already protesting against it. Their leader has threatened to initiate a hunger strike if the government goes ahead with the project. This has caught the attention of the mainstream media and social activists. Based on the information given above, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case and their respective interests. (b) Keeping in mind the issues involved, how can differing interests be reconciled for ensuring sustainable development in the area? (20 Marks)”

  1. Pallab Banerjee Avatar
    Pallab Banerjee

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    1. Staff @CD Avatar
      Staff @CD

      Pallab

      Decent attempt, your understanding of the topic is good.
      Mention part a and part b in your answer.
      In part a, you have identified the stakeholders that’s good, briefly also mention the stakes involved for each particular group. Environment and media could also be added as stakeholders.
      In part b, dilemmas identified are appropriate. Mention the options available in brief.. You have taken a lot of space for that. The question is asking how to reconcile interests – so that should have more focus in the answer. Basically only in last paragraph you have provided that solution. Points are fine there. However, things like formation of a committee to objectively look into the cost and benefits of the project, environmental and social impact assessment of the project, rehabilitation and resettlement of tribals close to their ancestral land along with fair compensation in case the project goes forward could also be mentioned.
      Conclusion is decent.
      Keep practicing. 🙂

  2. Rao Avatar
    Rao

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    1. Staff @CD Avatar
      Staff @CD

      Rao

      Good attempt. Presentation of the answer is quite good.
      Introduction is nice. Stakeholders have also been properly identified in part a. Environment and media could also be added as stakeholders.
      Part b has been written well. Most of the points will be suitable in reconciling the interests. You could also talk about formation of an expert committee to look into the costs and benefits of the project as well as examining the possibility of going forward with the project on an alternative location. Involving community leaders and social activists in the dialogue process could be mentioned too.
      Conclusion is fine.
      Keep practicing. 🙂

  3. abhishek mishra Avatar
    abhishek mishra

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    1. Staff @CD Avatar
      Staff @CD

      Abhishek

      You have been too preachy in this answer. Try to be to the point and write exactly what is being asked.
      In introduction, dilemma has been mentioned.
      After that identify the stakeholders and stakes involved as asked in part a of the question. Also try to avoid blunt statements like both are on ‘opposite’ sides.. Govt is not supposed to be on the opposite side of it’s own people. Rather, you can say that both parties have differing interests and there is a need for reconciliation.
      Stakeholders could be the tribals, the state government, other citizens of the state, the private company, the social activists, environment and media.
      First part should be done by just mentioning the stakeholders and briefly stating each of their interests.
      In 2nd part, you can talk about reconciliation. Relocation, rehabilitation are good points. But first, things like formation of a committee to objectively look into the cost and benefits of the project, environmental and social impact assessment of the project should be mentioned.
      Involving community leaders and social activists in the dialogue process could be mentioned too.
      Conclusion can be kept short.
      Keep practicing. 🙂

  4. megha kanapala Avatar
    megha kanapala

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    1. Staff @CD Avatar
      Staff @CD

      Megha

      Introduction is fine. Structuring of your answer is also fine, content can be increased.
      In next part, you have identified the main stakeholders. However, others such as other citizens of the state, social activists, environment and media and their stakes could also be mentioned.
      Next part is also pretty short, some more elaboration will be required.
      You could talk about formation of an expert committee to look into the costs and benefits of the project as well as examining the possibility of going forward with the project on an alternative location. Environmental and social impact assessment of the project, fair compensation and employment opportunities for the tribals could be mentioned too.
      Conclusion is fine.
      Keep practicing. 🙂

  5. Gopinath Sahoo Avatar
    Gopinath Sahoo

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    @Staff

    Please increase the max file to 4 for case studies
    Doesn’t make sense to cap it at 3 when UPSC itself provides 4 pages

    1. Staff @CD Avatar
      Staff @CD

      Gopinath

      Thanks for the suggestion. We will try to incorporate that in the next case study.
      Your attempt is good.
      All the aspects have been mentioned.
      Both part a and part b are decent. In stakeholders, you could also add environment as one of them.
      Other points are good
      In next part, you can use full form of EIA, SIA when writing first time. Good that you have divided it into different dimensions.
      I understand that conclusion is missing because you couldn’t add extra pages.
      You can add pages as reply to the first comment too. No issues.
      Keep practicing. 🙂

  6. BROODLIN SELVINI Avatar
    BROODLIN SELVINI

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    1. BROODLIN SELVINI Avatar
      BROODLIN SELVINI

      Staff @CD

    2. Staff @CD Avatar
      Staff @CD

      Hello

      Introduction is good.
      Identification of stakeholders is also suitably done. However, you could add environment, media and social activists too as other stakeholders.
      In next part, in the 2nd case you are arguing about withdrawal of the project in case of lack of consensus… But that would not be reconciliation of interests of both sides as asked in the question.
      In first case only, you need to suggest steps for consensus building… Community participation in talks is a good point, other things that can be mentioned here is formation of an expert committee to objectively analyse the costs and benefits of the project; environmental and social impact assessment, making social activists the bridge between the talks etc
      Rehabilitation and fair compensation are good points.
      Conclusion is fine.
      Keep practicing. 🙂

  7. Arjun Sheoran Avatar
    Arjun Sheoran

    Staff@CD pay_KaRyPM2bJjqanb

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