Displacement, often regarded as one of the costs of development, refers to the forced removal of
a population from their habitual location, typically due to various development projects or
initiatives.
Displacement can occur due to various factors, broadly categorized into Unlike voluntary migration, displacement is coercive in nature, where individuals or communities
Intro
distinct contexts that shape the nature and causes of displacement. ABOUT are compelled to leave their homes and livelihoods against their will, often with little to no
consultation or recourse.
Political causes of displacement often arise in regions Development projects such as infrastructure development, urban renewal, industrialization, or
experiencing conflict or unrest, such as in the North-Eastern environmental conservation efforts frequently result in displacement, as communities are
states of India and Kashmir, where political instability and Political causes displaced to make way for dams, highways, urban expansion, or protected areas.
armed conflict have led to forced migration of populations.
Identity-based autonomy movements and ethnic
conflicts also contribute to displacement, as seen in Martin Orans' observation highlights a significant critique of
Identity-based
regions where ethnic tensions and demands for self- development initiatives, particularly in the context of tribal
autonomy movements
governance fuel displacement of communities based communities, where the implementation of development projects has
on their ethnic or religious identities. often resulted in the destruction of traditional tribal institutions
without commensurate benefits to the affected communities.
CAUSE OF
Localized violence, including communal riots, caste-based DISPLECEMENT This critique is further substantiated by the research findings of
violence, or land disputes, can result in displacement, as Localized violence Fernandes, Das, and Rao, who note that approximately 75% of the
communities flee violence and seek refuge elsewhere. displaced population over the past decades consists of tribal
communities.
Additionally, environmental and developmental- Development-induced displacement disproportionately affects tribal
Martin Orans'
induced displacement occurs when development populations, as they often inhabit resource-rich areas targeted for
Environmental and Observation
projects, such as dams, mining activities, or development projects such as mining, dams, and industrialization.
infrastructure projects, result in the displacement of developmental-
communities due to land acquisition or environmental induced displacement
Despite being displaced from their ancestral lands and livelihoods,
degradation. tribal communities frequently find themselves marginalized and
excluded from the benefits of development, such as access to
education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
These broad categories of displacement highlight the complex
interplay of political, social, economic, and environmental factors that Moreover, the loss of traditional tribal institutions, including customary
drive forced migration and displacement, necessitating tailored Overall governance systems and cultural practices, undermines the social
responses and interventions to address the diverse needs and cohesion and resilience of tribal communities, exacerbating their
challenges faced by displaced populations. vulnerability to displacement and impoverishment.
DISPLACEMENT THINKERS
Asthana's study on the Tehri Dam project sheds light on the
complex socio-economic impacts of large-scale development
projects, particularly on displaced communities.
The impacts of displacement can be profound, disrupting social networks, cultural
practices, and economic livelihoods, while also exacerbating vulnerabilities and
inequalities among affected populations. The construction of the Tehri Dam resulted in the displacement
of numerous families, forcing them to relocate from their
Moreover, displacement often leads to loss of access to land, housing, and essential ancestral lands to make way for the reservoir.
services, exacerbating the marginalization and impoverishment of displaced
communities. This displacement not only uprooted communities from their
homes but also imposed significant challenges on their
The impact of displacement on affected communities is profound and multifaceted, livelihoods and well-being.
extending beyond mere physical relocation to encompass significant social, economic, Asthana's study on
and cultural upheaval. the Tehri Dam project Asthana's research revealed that displaced families
experienced increased living expenses, as they struggled to
Loss of livelihood is one of the most immediate and devastating consequences, as adjust to new living conditions and find alternative sources of
displaced individuals often lose access to their traditional sources of income and income.
means of sustenance
Women and children, in particular, bore the brunt of these
This loss not only plunges them into economic insecurity but also perpetuates cycles IMPACT OF changes, often compromising their lifestyles and facing
of poverty and marginalization. DISPLACEMENT heightened vulnerabilities.
Displacement also leads to social dislocation, as communities are uprooted from their Displacement disrupted traditional family dynamics and social
familiar surroundings, resulting in cultural alienation and the erosion of traditional networks, further exacerbating the challenges faced by
practices and beliefs. women and children in adapting to their new circumstances.
The fragmentation of families is another consequence, as displacement often
forces families to separate or relocate to different areas, disrupting social bonds
and support networks.
Moreover, the change in social patterns and social order destabilizes communities, Loss of livelihood
leading to tensions and conflicts as displaced individuals struggle to adapt to their
new environments. Marginalisation of deprived community
Being separated from kith and kin and other social circles further exacerbates IMPACT OF DISPLACEMENT (SYNOPSIS) Cultural alienation
feelings of isolation and loneliness, compounding the psychological toll of
displacement. Change in social pattern and social order
Fragmentation of family
