Published 2021-07-31
Abstract
India is classified as a developing economy, aspiring to be a three trillion economy. For the last six decades, India has undertaken a significant number of development initiatives. Since independence, it has gained momentum. Dams, industrial projects, mining projects, thermal power projects, and urban infrastructure projects are only a few examples of accelerating India’s economy. But the cost of this development is severe for the poor people, especially for tribal groups in India. India now has approximately 5264 dams, the majority of which were constructed after the country’s independence in 1947. According to the 1991 census, tribal tribes make up 8.08 percent of India’s population. According to an Indian government working committee, tribal people make up 40-50 percent of individuals displaced by development projects. Development-induced tribal population relocation is a grave danger to all those affected, not just to their autonomy, liberty, and dignity, but also to their right to life and health. It is evident that tribal groups have experienced a disproportionate amount of displacement. Out of the total displaced population, only one-fourth of the displaced have been resettled. The others were granted some monetary compensation by the local government, which was arbitrarily set, and then quickly forgotten. The purpose of this article is to examine the history of dams and displacement, with a particular emphasis on the miseries of indigenous people. The report will demonstrate how India’s rehabilitation and resettlement policies have failed displaced tribal communities. Finally, the current research will provide suggestions for bridging the gap between policies and practices.