The people of a few villages of a district of which you are a District Magistrate are suffering from a strange disease resulting in vomiting, dehydration, other complications and even death. Initial medical reports suggest contamination of underground water with some radioactive substance is responsible for it. Villagers have no alternative source of water and the medical team has recommended setting up of a relief camp where safe drinking water, food and medicine can be provided and their conditions monitored. The villagers are reluctant to move to a relief camp due to fear of house break and even suspicion of the medical reports. They perceive it as a curse of Gods. In such a situation the immediate course of action you would adopt is to

2.5 marks for option (2) 1.5 marks for option (3) or (4) 0 marks for option (1) Rationale/ Reasoning In real life, the options given in the situation will not be mutually exclusive. However, the best course of action is option (2). As the issue in question is saving lives of a large number of people, even if such a decision has to be enforced against the wishes of a few, it ought to be done. (3) Galvanising political or social support cannot precede the passing of orders directing people to move in relief camps, as precious lives may be lost in the time used up in trying to convince people. (4) Leaving the decision to join the relief camp to the whims of people is fraught with the possibility of loss of lives. (1) Although the Ministry ought to be informed about the situation, waiting for their direction may lead to loss of time and possible loss of life. The situation warrants quick action on the basis of the recommendation in the medical reports. Principle/Value Tested Ability to take appropriate decision even in adverse situations