The Social Impacts of Dams on Rural Areas: A Case Study of Solaiman Shah Dam, Kermanshah, Iran

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to assess the social impacts of Solaiman Shah dam (Solaiman Shah, Kermanshah, Iran) on its surrounding villages using Social Impact Assessment tool. Methods: This study follows a qualitative research design. In this regard, ten impacts and their important interrelations among them were categorized and evaluated. Results: Our findings revealed that expansion of infrastructures and new opportunities for economic development have spread a feeling of prosperity, in other words the “promise-land effect,” with positive reflections in the migration rates, social cohesion, and social capital. However, although the subjective well-being has been significantly improved for the majority of residents, the construction of dam was also followed by objecting voices, caused by unfair share of dam benefits which complicated the relations between neighboring villages, produced cultural disruption and obligatory resettlement of some peasants jeopardizing the social sustainability of the project. Conclusion: Solaiman Shah dam has improved the economic situation of the region, enhanced subjective well-being, and facilitated new forms of cooperation among residents.