Investigating the Issues of Displacement & Rehabilitation: A Case Study of Sardar Sarovar Project Affected Areas

Abstract

On the one hand, without an iota of doubt, India is privileged to be the largest surviving democracy of the world. On the other hand, a great number of people are not able to exercise their constitutionally protected right due to the deliberate designs of the governmental policies. In the name of and building dams, a large chunk of population are deprived of their land, displaced from their home, and forced to survive in an unhealthy condition. The objectives is to enlarge the horizon of knowledge from the simple approach to a more complex understanding of violent systems, the perpetuation of these systems by narrow political tactics and the dam affected people, who can do nothing but die once or every now and then. We will see how the policies of the government which are practically failed to assure that, the displaced people should think of alternatives to the existing mega, destructive projects using the presently attained capacity of the reservoir. It is being argued that people should not and cannot be sacrificed at the false alter of development. If they are driven destitute, to whom is this development for? The situation of the nation is such, for this the right and right thinking people are more responsible than those ill minded! To understand the dynamics of the problem and complexities involved, the researcher has conducted an empirical survey using the structured questionnaire in the SSP affected areas and gone through many articles, books, Supreme Court judgments, Tribunal Awards and many reports, both prepared by the government and NBA people. The researcher has also discussed many issues with Mrs. Medha Partkarji and editors of various magazines, journalists of different states and other government officials. This paper may be challenging and disappointing as they may defy what many people may consider politically correct. But at the same time, the paper will enlighten many about the displaced people, who are even now in the alcove of the country.