As the District Commissioner of Lonavala, you oversee a region that attracts numerous tourists each monsoon season, drawn by its pristine forests and breath taking natural scenery.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Q7. As the District Commissioner of Lonavala, you oversee a region that attracts numerous tourists each monsoon season, drawn by its pristine forests and breath taking natural scenery. Recently, a particular waterfall in your district has gained significant popularity due to social media influence. Tragically, on one fateful day, a family of seven from another state visited this waterfall. While they were enjoying their time, the water level suddenly rose due to heavy rainfall in the upstream mountains over the past few days, resulting in five members of the family being swept away by the surge. A police initial report revealed that the location of the incident is a “restricted area” under the jurisdiction of Indian Railways and the Forest Department. However, the media quickly highlighted several administrative lapses too at the tourist site, including the absence of warning signboards, lack of security personnel, and the unavailability of first aid kits and other medical necessities. As public concern grew, the responsibility for addressing these issues fell squarely on your shoulders.
In light of the above case, answer the following:
• Identify the key stakeholders involved in this incident.
• Analyze the ethical issues related to the administrative lapses at the tourist site. Discuss the duty of care that the administration owes to tourists.
• As the District Commissioner, what actions would you take to prevent similar mishaps in the future? [20M]
Difficulty Level: Medium
Why the Question The case tests the ability to balance ethical responsibility, administrative efficiency, and preventive action in crisis situations involving public safety. Key Demand of the Question Identify stakeholders, analyze ethical concerns related to administrative lapses, and propose actionable measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents. Structure of the Answer Introduction Provide a brief context of the incident highlighting the tragedy and its significance as a public safety issue. Mention the importance of balancing tourism promotion and safety. Body Stakeholders: Identify the primary and secondary stakeholders impacted or involved in the incident. Ethical Issues and Duty of Care: Address administrative lapses like absence of safety measures, discuss the ethical responsibility of the administration towards tourists, and the need for proactive governance. Preventive Actions: Suggest institutional, infrastructural, and technological steps that could be taken to ensure tourist safety while promoting responsible tourism. Conclusion Emphasize the importance of accountability and sustainable tourism by adopting a multi-stakeholder approach. Highlight the role of administration in restoring public trust and preventing future incidents.
Why the Question The case tests the ability to balance ethical responsibility, administrative efficiency, and preventive action in crisis situations involving public safety.
Key Demand of the Question Identify stakeholders, analyze ethical concerns related to administrative lapses, and propose actionable measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
Structure of the Answer
Introduction Provide a brief context of the incident highlighting the tragedy and its significance as a public safety issue. Mention the importance of balancing tourism promotion and safety.
• Stakeholders: Identify the primary and secondary stakeholders impacted or involved in the incident.
• Ethical Issues and Duty of Care: Address administrative lapses like absence of safety measures, discuss the ethical responsibility of the administration towards tourists, and the need for proactive governance.
• Preventive Actions: Suggest institutional, infrastructural, and technological steps that could be taken to ensure tourist safety while promoting responsible tourism.
Conclusion Emphasize the importance of accountability and sustainable tourism by adopting a multi-stakeholder approach. Highlight the role of administration in restoring public trust and preventing future incidents.