Impact of Displacement by Upper Kolab & Upper Indravati Hydel Projects on Tribal Life and Livelihood in Rehabilitation Colonies

Abstract

Large scale irrigation and power projects contribute immensely to the infrastructure base of the country and contribute directly to the quality of life of farmers and production of food materials. Most of such large projects, however, tend to affect the lives of the project affected people who contribute their land and property for setting up such large projects. Many such projects affect the lives of the vulnerable tribal people and destroy their already fragile resource base and lead to extensive impoverishment and pauperization. Two such large irrigation and power projects in the backward tribal dominated districts of Odisha, the Upper Indravati Project (UIP) and Upper Kolab Project (UKP) are constantly drawing attention due to media reports and court cases highlighting the sufferings of the tribal people affected by these two projects. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Research and Training Institute (SCSTRTI) in Odisha is mandated to initiate research and training on issues affecting the lives of the tribal people in Odisha, and decided to commission a study to look into the impact of these two projects on the lives and livelihood of the tribals displaced by the two projects. The study was conducted with a focus on the displaced tribals living in Rehabilitation Colonies and large habitations. Samples of 200 tribal DPs were selected from each of the two projects and information pertaining to their socio-economic and cultural aspects was collected using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Analysis of information was conducted focusing on the socio-economic status of the DPs before and after displacement to highlight the impact of the project related displacement on the life and livelihood of the tribal DPs. Displacement occurred in the Upper Kolab Project between 1984 and 1987. The DPs were compensated for their land at the rate of Rs.500 to Rs.2000 per acre of land. Rehabilitation colonies were created for resettling the DPs near Kotpad town and over 500 DPs resettled there. The rest decided to resettle on their own and received the Rehabilitation Assistance amount of Rs.14040/. The DPs in rehabilitation colonies were given homestead land and about 2 to 3 acres of cultivable land. Displacement in the Upper Indravati Project was spread over the years 1989 to 1997. Land was compensated at the rate of Rs. 500 to Rs.2500 per acre. Rehabilitation Assistance amount was fixed at Rs. 20075 in the first phase and was later increased upto Rs.70000/- in the last phase. In addition, Living Allowance amounting to Rs.6000/- was also paid to all DPs. All the DPs decided to make their own arrangement for resettlement.