Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Water scarcity is a growing concern in many parts of India, exacerbated by climate change and unsustainable water management practices. The situation presented highlights a classic conflict between competing demands for a scarce resource – agriculture and industry. As the District Magistrate, the officer is responsible for maintaining law and order, ensuring equitable resource distribution, and promoting sustainable development. This requires a nuanced approach that balances the immediate needs of the population with long-term ecological considerations, while also upholding principles of transparency and fairness. The allegations of corruption further complicate the situation, demanding a thorough and impartial investigation.
(a) Options Available to the District Collector as a District Magistrate
As District Magistrate, the Collector possesses a range of powers under various laws:
- Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC): Can be invoked to prohibit the drawing of water beyond permissible limits, preventing further depletion of resources.
- The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: Provides authority to regulate industrial discharge and ensure compliance with water usage norms.
- National Green Tribunal (NGT) Act, 2010: The DM can facilitate reporting violations to the NGT for appropriate action.
- Disaster Management Act, 2005: Declaring a water crisis as a local disaster allows for mobilization of resources and implementation of emergency measures.
- Revenue Powers: The DM can issue directives regarding water allocation based on land revenue records and irrigation rights.
Beyond legal powers, the DM can also employ administrative measures like:
- Negotiation and Mediation: Facilitate dialogue between farmers and industry representatives.
- Water Audits: Conduct comprehensive audits of water usage by both agriculture and industry.
- Rainwater Harvesting: Promote and incentivize rainwater harvesting initiatives.
- Groundwater Recharge: Implement groundwater recharge projects.
(b) Suitable Actions for Mutually Compatible Interests
To address the situation while considering the interests of all stakeholders, the following actions can be taken:
- Prioritized Water Allocation: Establish a transparent and equitable water allocation plan prioritizing drinking water needs, followed by essential agricultural activities, and then industrial use.
- Industry Regulation & Incentives: Mandate industries to adopt water-efficient technologies and implement water recycling systems. Offer incentives for exceeding these standards.
- Farmer Support: Provide farmers with access to micro-irrigation techniques (drip and sprinkler irrigation) and drought-resistant crop varieties. Subsidies can be provided under schemes like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).
- Community Participation: Involve local communities in water management decisions through Water User Associations (WUAs).
- Transparency & Accountability: Publicly disclose water usage data for both agriculture and industry to build trust and address allegations of corruption.
- Joint Monitoring: Establish a joint monitoring committee comprising representatives from the administration, farmers, and industry to oversee water usage and address grievances.
(c) Potential Administrative and Ethical Dilemmas
The District Collector faces several administrative and ethical dilemmas:
- Balancing Economic Growth & Social Equity: Closing down industries would lead to unemployment, impacting the local economy. However, prioritizing industry over farmers could exacerbate social unrest.
- Impartiality & Allegations of Corruption: The allegations of bribery require a thorough and impartial investigation. The DM must ensure that the investigation is free from bias and that appropriate action is taken against those found guilty. This is crucial for maintaining public trust.
- Enforcement vs. Cooperation: Strict enforcement of regulations might alienate farmers and lead to protests. A more collaborative approach might be slower but more sustainable.
- Short-term vs. Long-term Solutions: Focusing solely on immediate crisis management might neglect long-term water conservation strategies.
- Conflict of Interest: The DM must avoid any personal or political biases that could influence decision-making. Upholding the principles of integrity, objectivity, and non-partisanship is paramount.
The DM must navigate these dilemmas by prioritizing the public good, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring transparency and accountability in all actions.
Conclusion
The water crisis demands a holistic and equitable solution. The District Collector must leverage legal powers, administrative measures, and stakeholder engagement to address the immediate crisis while simultaneously promoting sustainable water management practices. Addressing the allegations of corruption is crucial for restoring public trust. A long-term vision that balances economic development with social equity and environmental sustainability is essential for preventing future crises and ensuring the well-being of the district's population.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.