Total Questions : 1
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Case Study
You are the District Magistrate (DM) of a district that is home to a famous ancient temple. Every year, during a specific month, the "Maha Yatra" (Great Pilgrimage) takes place, attracting nearly 10 lakh devotees from across the country. The local economy is heavily dependent on this month-long event, with shopkeepers, hoteliers, and transport operators earning 70% of their annual income during this period.
Two weeks before the Yatra is scheduled to begin, a new, highly contagious virus strain breaks out in a neighboring state. While the mortality rate is low, the transmission rate is extremely high, and it causes severe respiratory distress in the elderly. Medical experts warn that large crowds could turn into "super-spreader" events, potentially overwhelming the healthcare infrastructure.
The sentiment in your district is volatile:
1. Religious Leaders: The temple trust argues that the Yatra has continued unbroken for 200 years and cancelling it would be "inauspicious".
2. Economic Stakeholders: The local Traders' Association warns of mass protests if the Yatra is cancelled, as they have taken huge loans in anticipation of the season.
As you deliberate, a report arrives stating that 5 cases of the virus have already been detected in your district. If the Yatra proceeds in full force, the district hospital is projected to collapse within days. If you cancel it, you risk a law and order breakdown and economic devastation for the locals.
Questions:
1. Identify the ethical issues and dilemmas involved in this case.
2. What are the options available to you in the given situation? Discuss the merits and demerits of each option.
3. What course of action would you adopt in this situation? Justify your answer with reference to ethical principles.
GS Paper 4 Case Studies
