Andhra Pradesh Irrigation Project-III Socio-Economic Study of Project Affected Persons under SRBC

Abstract

Government of Andhra Pradesh determined to ward off the much-dreaded drought and provide life giving waters for the lands in the proverbially low rainfall areas, lunched several irritation projects in Rayala Seema. The SRBC is one such irrigation project aimed at eradication of poverty in the interior places of Rayala Seema. This study has been commissioned by the Government of Andhra Pradesh; this report is an outcome of survey of PAPs of SRBC. The pages of this report unfold various positive as well as adverse impacts that SRBC has created in the study area. Various action points have been suggested to tackle these problems. The findings of this report and its recommendations will form basis for the preparation of Action Plan for the rehabilitation and resettlement of the PAPs. The report is consisting of seven sections. The aim of the study is to assess the socio-economic impacts among the people and the study is expected to provide inputs for policy formulation for the resettlement and rehabilitation of PAFs. The study employed both primary and secondary sources. Primary data are collected from project affected persons directly by canvassing schedules; village and household schedules and a separate schedule for women. Thus, the data are collected at three level-household, village and wider geographical area. Qualitative data were collected through Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) method in conjunction with observations and detailed individual interviews. The study report is divided into six chapters. The first chapter deals with the SRBC project, its location and its salient features and geographical distribution, the scope of study, the aims and objectives of the study, the methodology employed. The second chapter is on the project affected area, its infrastructure regarding potable water, health and medical institutions, schools, market, road and transport communication, credit and marketing, government schemes for development etc. The third chapter is on the project affected community. It comprises the historical and political backdrop and socio-cultural profiles of the project affected population. It also highlights certain traditional institutions of socio-economic inter dependence. A brief account of the demographic and occupational characteristic features of the study area is also give. The fourth chapter provides detailed analysis of impact of the project. It defines the PAP and deals with the extent of land acquisition, different types of property acquired, compensation paid, cases filed in courts, the details of displacement etc. the fifth chapter reveals with the positive and adverse impact on the socio and economic conditions of the PAPs. The sixth chapter is concerned with the women's perception on the land acquisition and other activities of the project in the study area. The final chapter concludes the findings of the study followed by recommendations for the restoration of the PAPs to their original standard or betterment of their social and economic conditions.