ABSTRACT
Large infrastructural projects like roads, dams, and power plants are the key drivers of economic development, but at the same time, they pose notable environmental threats especially through the resettlement and rehabilitation of existing communities. The aim of this study is to reveal the deep relationship between the environmental challenges and the resettlement of victims in the implementation of such projects. In the process of a thorough case study analysis, wherein multiple case studies are referenced w.r.t the resettlement and rehabilitation of people for the construction of large infrastructure projects, this research paper attempts to unravel the challenges, impact factors, and the mitigation strategies, and offers guiding principles for the policy makers, stakeholders, and the project developers. Through the study of environmental impacts of large-scale value creation projects, this paper contributes relevant information to the debate on sustainable development and fair management of resources.
INTRODUCTION
The quest for greater economic prosperity has in turn spurred a multitude of infrastructural developments on a global scale, which include dam building, road construction, and urbanisation among other projects. The completion of these initiatives signifies a positive shift in connectivity, industrialization, and living standards in the region. On the other hand, the implementation of these large-scale projects causes a huge problem to the environment. Such projects distort ecosystems, deplete resource and increase pollution levels. The focus of environmental aspect of large-scale projects surrounds the reconstruction and resettlement of communities suffering from an impact of such operations. The forced migration of communities, job losses, and disruption of relationships brings wide array of complex complications that necessitates cautious examination and preventive actions. The absence of consideration of these issues beyond sustainability not only weakens the project but also causes social disorders, grows inequalities, and often creates environmental destruction.
The situation that took place in Joshimath is clear evidence of the disaster related to the urban planning which could ultimately force locals to leave their homes. The creation of the Rishiganga hydropower project in Uttarakhand, brought about a huge landslide and flooding, which, consequently, led to the destruction of a number of infrastructural facilities,people’s houses as well as businesses. Thereafter, the Uttarakhand administration declared the area a “no-entry zone” and forced the displacing the affected communities. Through construction, hydroelectric plants, dams, highways, and urban development profoundly influence landscapes, water resources and ecosystems, resulting in undesirable environmental consequences, as well as social and economic ones such as displacement and changes from cultural point of view that leave communities in the neighborhood in trouble. The making of Rishiganga hydropower project was prime factor behind unnatural disequilibrium that the region has been suffering from and this has led to large scale instability in the mountains. After the landslide and flooding, the whole areas were gone. The loss was terrible for villages, and authorities had to consider the relocation of these areas for safety reasons. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully assess and anticipate the potential outcomes of infrastructure projects to minimize adverse impacts and ensure the sustainability of communities and the environment through effective planning and mitigation measures.