Development-induced displacement
Topic: Environment and Sustainable Development · NCERT: Class 10, Ch 1 "Development"
Meaning
Development-induced displacement is the forced loss of land, homes and livelihoods to projects such as big dams, mines and industries. The people affected are often tribal and rural. It shows that what is development for one group can be destructive for another. India's legal answer is the RFCTLARR Act 2013. It requires a social impact assessment and rehabilitation and resettlement of those displaced. A social impact assessment is a study of how a project will affect people.
Example
The Sardar Sarovar dam on the Narmada was built to supply water and power. It uprooted many villages, and the Narmada Bachao Andolan resisted it. Industrialists may want large dams for electricity, while displaced tribals may prefer small check dams or tanks.
Don't confuse with
- Environmental impact assessment (EIA): this checks a project's likely environmental and social effects before approval. Displacement is one harm that such a check should bring out.
Related concepts
- Chipko and Appiko movements
- Environmental impact assessment
- Compensatory afforestation
- Net present value of forests
- Green credit
- Biodiversity offset
- Biodiversity credits
- REDD+
- Nature-based solutions
- Polluter pays principle