Development, Displacement and Tribals of Assam

Abstract

The tribal people of India, over the years have faced the brunt of displacement as a result of developmental projects like dams, mining, industries, transport and communication, power plants, defence establishments etc. Generally, the term development refers to growth, progress, modernization etc. But at the same time it is expected that economic growth accompanies social development too. In India, however, with the introduction of developmental schemes, vast segment of the tribal population have been displaced from their natural habitat resulting in their marginalization. Simultaneously, they are also subjected to innumerable forms of exploitation. In light of this, the concept of development induced displacement becomes important to look into. The present study has been undertaken to find out the status of the tribal people in the particular study area, which has experienced various development initiatives aimed at improving the overall conditions of the tribal communities amidst their displacement due to development projects. The issue of displacement has become relevant to North east India and especially Assam as some of the projects like oil refineries and cement plants have displaced many people in the region. Displacement is also expected to increase during the next decade.The study on Development, Displacement and Tribals of Assam has been conducted in three areas of Assam where development induced displacement of tribal people have taken place. The study areas include Lepetkatta in Dibrugarh district where the Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited has come up, Dhakuakhana subdivision of North Lakhimpur district where the Geo Tube has been introduced and Dhemaji district where the Bogibeel Railway cum Bridge is being constructed.