Q: Citing some case studies, expand the concept of ‘Development-induced Displacement’.

Model Answer:

Development-induced Displacement

Development-induced Displacement (DID) refers to the forced migration of people due to development projects. In India, DID has been a significant issue, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.

Causes of DID in India:

– Large dams and irrigation projects have displaced millions. E.g. the Sardar Sarovar Dam project on the Narmada River displaced over 200,000 people.
– Mining and industrial projects also lead to displacement. E.g. bauxite mining in Odisha has displaced indigenous communities.

Impacts of DID in India:

– Loss of homes, agricultural lands, and common resources like forests, disrupting traditional livelihoods. E.g. displacement due to Tehri Dam in Uttarakhand impoverished many displaced families.
– Social disarticulation as kin and community networks are severed. E.g. the Hirakud Dam in Odisha displaced 22,000 families, fragmenting communities.
– Tribal communities and rural poor are disproportionately affected. E.g. the Polavaram Dam project in Andhra Pradesh is expected to displace 400,000 people, mostly Adivasis.

Mitigation and Resettlement in India:

– The Land Acquisition Act 2013 mandates compensation, rehabilitation, and resettlement for those affected by DID. However, implementation challenges remain.
– Participatory approaches involving affected communities in planning and implementation of resettlement are advocated. E.g. the Narmada Bachao Andolan has fought for the rights of those displaced by the Sardar Sarovar Dam.

In conclusion, DID is a major challenge in India, requiring well-planned, participatory resettlement programs that protect the rights and welfare of the displaced. Sociologists play a crucial role in studying and mitigating the adverse consequences of DID in the Indian context.