Paper short abstract:

Large development projects have surely led to national growth and prosperity but at the cost of the indigenous population. Most of the projects have been a curse to the project affected people (PAP). This paper would present some of the major problems faced and the unresolved issues of displacement.

Paper long abstract:

Large projects like mines, factories, nuclear establishments, power projects, highways and the like have surely brought about development to a nation. But the costs of such development too have been too high for the indigenous population especially. Most of the projects have been a curse to the PAPs. With faulty policies, indifferent attitude of the state and local administration, blatant violation of norms and corruption, the PAPs have often been on the losing side of the development divide. In fact 'forced displacement' has been conveniently used as 'involuntary displacement' so as to sound modest during any discourse related to resettlement and rehabilitation (R&R).

Loses in terms of livelihoods, an identity crisis and other forms of long-term social and cultural loses, etc. cannot be easily quantified and exactly estimated. The protest movements led by the local PAPs and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) cannot always match the determination of a rampaging economy and an emboldened corporate sector which has the government as its shield. This paper critically reviews the issues involved in development, displacement and resettlement in India.