Constructing a dam in a mountain valley bond by forests and inhabited by ethnic communities

Constructing a dam in a mountain valley bond by forests and inhabited by ethnic communities

The setting up of hydropower projects in mountain valleys is a controversial issue. The Government of India (GoI) plans to construct several large dams for harnessing the power potential that lies largely untapped. A comprehensive rehabilitation policy is must to ensure that unforeseen contingencies which can hinder development projects are avoided. The issue involves Environmental security and inclusive, balanced economic development at its core. Such schemes should be complemented by adequate rehabilitation measures for affected communities as well as the preservation of their cultural heritage. These matters should also be addressed in the constitution or underlying legislation of independent review bodies like the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and any other independent monitoring mechanisms.

Inherent risks in a dam project:

Dams rank among the most important infrastructure development projects across the globe. But its is also one of the most controversial due to their inherent risks. The pros and cons include submergence of villages, displacement of tribal people, deforestation, human rights abuses by contractors and corrupt officials.

There are inherent risks in any dam project and the possibility of disruption of the traditional means of livelihood for tribal communities. However, it is also possible to minimize or avoid these risks through appropriate project design and adequate consultation with the local communities.

Small and big dams have a wide range of hazards associated with them, including landslides, earthquakes, and flash floods.

Rational policy:

A rational forest policy should address the issue of the increasing pressure of industrial development on forests by considering the impact of industrial activities in forest areas. To tide over this problem, it is essential to promote international cooperation by signing a bilateral agreement on plant genetic resources.

Transparent Rehabilitation, Resettlement: The rehabilitation and resettlement of the riot victims have been a painful process, with neither adequate compensation nor adequate housing and jobs. It is also unfortunate that governments in India have not been able to manage the rehabilitation packages effectively. The democratic and federal system has resulted in all States implementing rehabilitation differently based on their political preferences, without any clear sense of who was responsible or who tackled the huge task of rehabilitating thousands of people. As compensation for land acquired has proved inadequate, several groups have succeeded in raising issues about how those whose lands were acquired were not properly compensated, which escalated into protests and violence.

Maintain transparency, ensure economic welfare: The economic well-being of the affected persons should be ensured under all circumstances. The dam oustees should not be left to fend for themselves but must be given a chance to be rehabilitated economically with sustainable non-land-based livelihoods in conditions where land is submerged and other opportunities are lost. This may include complete or partial assistance in terms of both financial and physical support, in setting up new arrangements based on the skills and jobs available locally.

Public Hearing: The hearing provides an opportunity for the people affected by the projects to express their views. It is apparent that officials, experts, consultants, and the BARD members find it convenient to trample upon the rules and regulations at their will. Not a single guideline or procedure is properly followed by them to ensure free and fair hearing.

Ensure Tribal welfare: A dam is meant to tame nature for the purpose of harnessing a perennial source of energy and also to store water for irrigation during the dry season. In this process, it means some part of a river valley will be submerged and area destabilized inundating large areas of agricultural land, displacing populations in the process. The impact of major dams can affect people, infrastructure (roads and railways), electricity transmission networks, schools, health centers, and livelihoods.

Environmental Impact Assessment: Environmental impact assessment is a comprehensive study done by the State which not only affects economically well-being of a region but also puts at risk the very survival of the people. As such, more transparency and involvement of civil society and academia is needed in this process, along with ensuring proper monitoring and implementation of requirements. Unless this is done continuously, the positive impact may not be sustained down the line.

Disaster preparedness: The need for early warning is important because it enables people to prepare themselves, and find safe refuge before the disaster strikes thereby minimizing human and material losses. This will also help authorities to take precautionary measures for mitigating the impact of disasters.