(a) Suppose the Government of India is thinking of constructing a dam in a mountain valley bound by forests and inhabited by ethnic communities. What rational policy should it resort to in dealing with unforeseen contingencies? (10 marks, 150 words) (b) Explain the process of resolving ethical dilemmas in Public Administration. (10 marks, 150 words)

(a) Rational policy for the dam

The project pits development against ecological and tribal rights, so policy must be participatory, precautionary and prepared for contingencies.

• Free, prior and informed consent of Gram Sabhas and genuine social/environmental impact assessment.
• Just rehabilitation and resettlement – land-for-land, livelihood restoration and a share in project benefits, honouring the Forest Rights Act and PESA.
• Environmental safeguards – compensatory afforestation, minimum ecological flows, protection of biodiversity.
• Contingency planning – provisions for cost/time overruns, seismic or flood risks, unrest, and disease; a monitored grievance-redressal and mid-course-correction mechanism.

The goal is not to abandon development but to make it sustainable, consensual and reversible where harm is proven.

(b) Resolving ethical dilemmas

A dilemma is a clash of two defensible values (here, development vs rights). A structured resolution process:

• Identify the facts, stakeholders and the specific values in conflict.
• Recognise legal and constitutional constraints (what is non-negotiable).
• Generate alternatives and test each against consequences, rights and duties.
• Apply guiding tests – public interest, proportionality, transparency, the "crowded-room"/publicity test.
• Choose the option that best reconciles values, record reasons, and remain open to review.

The aim is a reasoned, transparent choice that can be justified to all stakeholders.