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The Governor is under pressure from the proponents of the project to proceed without further delay. You advise the Governor to initiate a forced relocation process offering the slightly increased compensation package negotiated earlier but that was not accepted as satisfactory by the affected communities. As agreement had not been reached, the resettlement process was at times conflictual, and people are not satisfied.

After the project was constructed, there was significant environmental harm and loss of the river’s wild fisheries. With the increased compensation, some members of the resettled community eventually could find an alternative means to livelihood, but over half could not and are left significantly worse off after the project than before. The impact on the environment also affected local tourism.

Meanwhile, the rice mill owners and the large-scale rice farmers are satisfied, as the Regional Rice Hub went ahead. The dam construction company was also satisfied enough, as the project went ahead, even as it was delayed. Macro-economic growth occurred in the city, mainly benefiting these economic elite stakeholders.

Outcome Analysis:

In this decision making, while there was an initial attempt to address the concerns of affected communities, ultimately the interests of the project proponents prevailed (exclusive reciprocity) resulting in conflictual responses from those harmed and excluded as the state initiated a forced relocation process (negative reciprocity). The slightly increased compensation packages was adequate enough for some (specific reciprocity), for others who lost their means to livelihood new poverty and inequality was created. Ultimately, the outcome overall did not benefit all residents of Riverbank City directly. The main beneficiaries were the rice mill owners, the large-scale rice farmers, and the dam construction company, whilst significant compromises and harm were borne by the affected communities.

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