Bhavnath Temple-

A Case Analysis

Team Members-

Amrit Visa – p39065

Gopika Kp- p39072

Vishruti Joshi- p39075

Parth Shah- p39087

Rishi Modi- p39096

Sonam- p39110
Executive Summary- The Government of the newly formed state of Gujarat wants to
implement the plan involving the construction of earthen dam that would help in the overall
economic development of the region and of the state. The plan is opposed by the villagers
who are adamantly opposing the construction of the dam as it would result in submergence of
the Bhavnath temple which has deep religious sentiments for the villagers.

The proposed solution involves shifting of the deities in the temple, who are worshipped by
the villagers to a new and much safer location following proper rituals and if possible,
constructing a new temple using the same material of the old structure with modern
technologies. This would also involve a long and hard convincing process with the villagers,
explaining them the overall economic gain, not only for them but for the future generations to
come. The logic behind this solution is, the farmers and other sections of the nearby villages
who are not dependent on agriculture would benefit in a holistic manner. The villagers would
become economically stable and meanwhile their religious beliefs would also be respected.

Main report-

I. Situation Analysis-
a. Introduction- The major stakeholders in this case involves the villagers from in and
around the 20 villages and the Government of Gujarat. The focus of the Government
is to bring an overall economic development that would also has a major impact on
not only the farmers from the nearby villages but on the overall state and economy.
This would also provide security for the future generations to come as they would
have uninterrupted access to the water in the reservoir. Given the religious sentiment
of the villagers, the Government will have to take careful and measured step as
handling such issues can be volatile and might result in complete backlash from the
villagers. The villagers, however due to their strong religious beliefs regards the
temple in holy spirit and any sort of damage to the temple would be unacceptable to
them.
b. Statement of Objectives- The Government objective to build the dam at the decided
location is due to several factors which includes a preferable reservoir size and
adequate amount of rainfall. Also, it would allow in constructing canals that have a
higher distribution network. This is because the Government is focused on the
development of the overall state which includes the 20 villages. These would help the
farmers throughout the sate and would result in overall productivity of farmers and
 thus, an improved economy. The villagers however receiving their fare share of water
from the two existing rivers and might not be able to grasp the overall holistic
development that would be brought by the construction of dam. Moreover, some
villagers might have very strong sense of attachment to the temple which might
transcend just religious beliefs. For the villagers, the temple can act as a protector and
helps them through tough periods. The purpose of the Government is not to belittle
the religious sentiments, but to provide the villagers with increased facilities and
safety.
c. Decision Problem Statement- The way this problem needs to be attended involves
direct talks with the heads of each village and convincing them to arrive at a common
goal. This may also involve by showcasing to them the added economic benefit that
each village will receive in the form monetary benefits as well water as a natural
resource. Also, the chances of increased employments can be explained. Complete
respect must be given to the religious thoughts of the villagers and any request that is
made regarding the construction or shifting of the temple must be met with complete
attention.
d. Criteria for decision making- The major criteria for the above decisions include
the overall economic development that would take place and in return would benefit
future generations to come. A large reservoir of water is always useful farmers and
can prevent drought like conditions. Also, the expenditure done by the Government
would be marginal in comparison to the returns that would be generated by the
construction of the dam.

II. Decision Process-

a. Generating Alternatives- The following alternatives can be used as plan of action-
i. Convincing the villagers, the village elders and heads of panchayat to move
ahead with the construction of dam.
ii. Providing the relocated villagers with proper infrastructure that involves well
built houses and toilets. Also provide them with livelihoods and new land of
the same size which has direct and uninterrupted supply with water close to
their original land.
iii. The relocated villagers can also be reimbursed in the form of monetary gains
if required.
 iv. The construction of a new temple can be presented in the form of a new
tradition, wherein the whole process of transferring their deity from one
temple to a new one can be celebrated annually in the form of fairs and
festival. This would increase tourism in their locality and would also provide
employment to villagers who are not farmers.
v. The new temple can be built according to the wishes of the villagers and can
have added facilities which would enhance the experience of villagers while
praying.
vi. The Government could also devise a plan for setting up of fisheries in the
reservoir, which would provide an added source of income to the farmers and
would also provide new employment possibilities.
vii. The dam can be built with lower reservoir volume, but it would not be as
beneficial as the increased capacity design.
b. Evaluation of alternatives- The alternatives including the relocation of the villagers
along with construction of the Temple to a new location matches the maximum
criteria for overall development. A major part of it also includes consulting with
village leaders.
c. Chosen decision- The best alternative among the suggested ones include influencing
the village elders and members from the panchayat committee. It would mainly
involve relocating the villagers to nearby places and providing them livelihoods and
proper living conditions. Another major part includes construction of a new temple
involving proper rituals satisfying the religious sentiments of the Villagers.
III. Implementation- A team of chosen professionals would be chosen from the public
work departments and governments officials who are well versed with the local
customs and language followed by the villagers and gradually try to show them the
overall benefits of the whole project. A well laid out plan for the relocation of the
villagers explaining the details for their welfare and supporting their livelihoods needs
to be explained to every stakeholder. Most importantly the plan for relocating the
deities and construction of a new temple must be explained to every opposing party.
Details of the overall economic outcome and how it would result in overall economic
development of the surrounding area has to be explained patiently. Finally, any
constraints and apprehensions that the villagers come up with, must be acknowledged
and properly addressed.