Research Title: Development-Induced Displacement: A case study of Sardar Sarovar

Project and Tribal Rehabilitation of Nandurbar District of Maharashtra.

Introduction:
After independence Nehru regime impoverished Indian Society by constructing big dams and
heavy industries, calling it the 'Modern Temple which would contribute to national growth.
The main aim was development through distributive justice. Several projects started after
Independence such as Heavy Industries, power, and mining sector for creating productive
resources. Developments make human society better through technologies, innovations,
investments. Development has some part provided lots of benefits but another side it provides
destructions, in many ways such as destruct human society, environmental impact etc. In the
name of development project such as Multi irrigation projects, minings, Industries, Railways,
Ports, SEZs provided great benefits to human species. But on the other hand, it acquired big
chunks of land, lead to loss of traditional method of livelihoods, displaced vulnerable
communities and made the lives of those displaced more vulnerable.
Background of the Sardar Sarovar Project:
In the late 19th Century during the British Raj, the idea of harnessing the waters
of Naramada river had grabbed the attention of colonial irrigation planners. The irrigation
Commission of India (Khosala Commission) which was constituted soon after the devasting
famine of the year 1900, mentions a proposal to construct a barrage near Bharuch. The Sardar
Sarovar Project (SSP) which was first proposed in 1946, became part of the Narmada Valley
Development Project, which comprises 30 large dams (of which the SSP is one) on the
Narmada River, 135 medium dams, and 3,000 small dams. During its early years (19641965),
the dam height was fixed at 500 feet to prioritize water for irrigation in the arid zones in
Gujarat and Rajasthan over the benefits of the power generated. In 1979, the NWDT
apportioned the Narmada waters between 4 states and fixed the height of the SSP at 138.68 m
(455 feet). It also laid down binding rehabilitation norms by promising the project oustees
cultivable and irrigable land and alternative house plots with civic amenities in the
rehabilitation villages. During the late eighties and early nineties, the SSP faced immense
resistance from the affected population.
The Rationale of the Study:
The study basically focuses on Sardar Sarovar Project, an unresolved issue of resettlement and
rehabilitation from the last 31 years, and problems of the people faced by this project.
Displacement is a major problem across the world. Dams have been built for thousands
of years- to manage flood waters, to harness water as hydropower, to supply drinking water, to
supply water for industry, to irrigate fields. The belief that dams, by increasing irrigation and
hydroelectricity production, can cause development and reduce poverty led developing
countries and international agencies such as the World Bank to undertake major investments in
dam construction. On the other side, it creates a lot of destruction in society as well hampers
the ecosystem. Dams displace millions of people from their ancestral habitat, where they
played and grew up, and got emotionally attached to. People will undergo unbearable pain and
mental agony when they have to permanently depart with their house, land, culture, livelihood
and the environment.
Statement of the problem:
Nehru in his speech to the people displaced due to Hirakud dam project in 1948 said if you
suffer, you should suffer in the interest of the nation. This clearly indicated developmental
project existed for national growth and development. The major dams built in India and
displaced millions of people as well as the tribal community. Sardar Sarovar Project in
Maharashtra on Narmada river, it displaced 7,500 people among them 99% are tribals.
National Perspective of Big Dams:
Dams in the recent history are considered as a part of the developmental project. Construction
of large dams was seen as a symbol of development since it was considered having the
multipurpose utility like the collection of a large amount of water resources in a particular area
and distribution for various purposes; hydroelectric production through dams provide one-
quarter of the world's electricity today. Currently, the people who continue to be concerned
about the project are those who have already been displaced and others who are slated to lose
lands, livelihoods, and habitats during further submergence.
State Perspective of Big Dams:
Maharashtra is one of the leading states in India which have a maximum number of
large, medium, and small multi irrigation project for irrigation and hydropower generation.
After independence a large portion of money invested in dam construction, the major dams in
Maharashtra are Mula dam; Koyna Dam; Ujani Dam; Mulshi Dam; Panshet Dam; Bhandardara
Dam; Pawna Dam; Gangapur Dam; Girna Dam; Jayakwadi Dam; Khadkawasala and
other small-medium irrigation projects. It displaced million of people from their land, shelter
and make impoverish.
Research Design:
Research is based on dam-induced development and issues of displacement, resettlement, and
rehabilitation. The aim of the research is to study the socio- economic impact and changes of
livelihood and the resettlement and rehabilitation issues of affected people in Sardar Sarovar
Dam. Research is basically exploratory in nature. The objectives are based on various studies
which examine the multiple impacts of dams induced displacement and its impact on socio-
economic conditions and on the livelihoods of the project affected people.
Objectives of the Study:
The study is carried out to understand the paradigm of development-induced displacement in
the context of multi purposes irrigation projects. It focuses on dam, displacement, and impacts
on condition of peoples socio-economic life.
1. To assess the socio-economic impact of the Sardar Sarovar Project dam in the study of
submergence area Nandurbar district of Maharashtra.
2. To evaluate resettlement and rehabilitation issues and the problem of the affected population
and offer recommendation for improvement.
3. To recommend necessary policy changes in the law and future management of the
Resettlement & Rehabilitation in India which may be necessary as a consequence of the
implementation of the Act.
Research Methodology:
The methodology is adopted for the study of mixed research. Mixed methods deal with both
type of collection of data; quantitative and qualitative. According to Thomas Kuhn mixed
method can be used in a single research study. These two methods i.e. qualitative and
quantitative are useful to answer a broad and more complex range of research questions. In the
questionnaire, both types of methods such as qualitative and quantitative have been used. The
questionnaire is made on the basis of both open and close ended. In order to collect the data,
the researcher will use the mixed method; qualitative and quantitative research. The researcher
will be collecting the data from the origin of the tribal community and their destination place.
The semi-structured and unstructured interview will be conducted as a part of qualitative
research. For understanding the socio-economic, political, educational, health & cultural
information, the researcher will be using questioner method.
Tools of data collection
Structured and Semi-Structured Interview scheduled
Participant Observation
Focus Group Discussion
Study Area:
Nandurbar district of Maharashtra is selected area for research. It considered the tribal district
of the state and tribal community with having a low rate of literacy, poor infrastructure facility
such as road connectivity and health facility. A large number of populations are dependent on
agriculture. Major crops are Rice, Cotton, Wheat, Gram, Sugarcane, Groundnut, Bajra, Jawar.
In the case of Sardar Sarovar Project, the Government of Maharashtra, estimated displacement
of 648 families and a much large number of people got displaced due to the making of canals
mainly fisherfolk families and individuals will lose their livelihood in the downstream area due
to complete stoppage of water flow in the summer season. And about five hundred families
have already been affected by the colonies.
Conclusion:
Considering that the country is on the path of economic development & the requirement of the
World Bank and all major international lending agencies include a mandatory environmental
assessment & resettlement & rehabilitation policies in the execution of any major projects.
There is a ray of hope that some will take center stage is any major projects. This will go a
long way to protect the poor from being exploited in the name of developmental work.
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