Religion Is the Opium of the Masses

BHAVNATH TEMPLE

"Religion is the opium of the masses"

                                        -Karl Marx

SITUATION

This case focuses on the post-independence era when there was a strong focus of the central and provincial government towards the economic development of the country. In view of these developmental activities, a proposal was worked out to build a dam across rivers Lokmata and Sadmata in the northern part of Gujarat. The expected capacity of the dam was calculated to be 4,700 million cu ft of water. This dam was expected to cater to the irrigation needs of 92,000 acres of land in 3 districts. The control levels of the dam were designed to raise the irrigation potential and thereby benefit the agricultural production in that area. However, the creation of this dam would also result in the submergence of 10,500 acres of land belonging to some 20 villages which also included an ancient temple of Bhavnath. The Bhavnath Temple was of great religious significance to not only the inhabitants of that area but also to nearby villages. It attracted people from far off destinations during the annual fair. Keeping everything in mind, the government planned to acquire land in these villages and in turn provide compensation to the villagers in the form of houses and employment. They assured the inhabitants of the village that it would take all appropriate measures to protect the temple and also provide an all-weather access to the temple along with gates on the water weir and additional sumps to safeguard the temple. All these measures taken by the government seemed to satisfy the villagers.

However, before the final proposal was formulated, an alternative proposal came into picture. This new proposal suggests increasing the capacity of the dam from 4700 million cu ft to 5700 million cu ft. This additional capacity increase would be achieved at a very marginal increase in cost and the benefits of it would be greater. But this plan would also result in the submergence of the Bhavnath temple. The government was inclined towards the second alternative; it began to consider the shifting of the temple, observing all the religious rites. But the people were adamant and demanded that the temple must be saved.

The government is in a dilemma as to what should be the course of action.

IDENTIFIED PROTAGONISTS

• Government
• Local population (Especially religiously inclined population)
• People expected to reap the benefits of the irrigation facility (Northern Gujarat)

PREFERRED DIRECTION

According to our analysis of the situation, the most viable course of action would be to follow the initial proposal i.e. to construct the dam while providing all possible protection to the temple like an all weather access, providing gates on the water weir and additional sums etc.

OBJECTIVES

Government (Decision Maker)

• All round economic development.
• Resettlement of displaced population.
• Land Acquisition.
• Provide re-skilling and new livelihood to displaced population.
• Fulfil the constitution obligations by respecting the religious sentiments of local population.
• Raise irrigation potential and intensify agricultural productivity (both directly and indirectly).
• Paying compensation for both submergence as well as costs associated with environmental loss. (Merely paying compensation is not the deal, it has to reach the target population, hence, transparency is of utmost importance)
• Quantify environmental loss of flora and fauna and compensate for it by increasing forests cover.
• Addressing the Law and Order problems that might arise due to agitation and minimise the loss of human life and property.

CRITERIA FOR DECISION MAKING

Our primary objective for decision making is to secure interests of all the stakeholders involved. The majority are the people for whom the economic development will go a long way in providing livelihood. So, it is imperative that the decision taken is for the larger benefit of the community.