Dams & Displacement | Sociology Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Dams and Development: A Historical Overview

Dams have been an integral part of human civilization, with the earliest dam dating back to around 3000 BC in Jawa town, Jordan. Throughout history, dams have been constructed for various purposes, including irrigation, flood control, and power generation. In the 19th and 20th centuries, large dams gained popularity, particularly in the United States, the Soviet Union, and China, as they were seen as a vital resource for economic growth and development.

In India, dams have also played a significant role in shaping the nation's development. Post-independence, large dams were viewed as symbols of a modern and prosperous India. However, despite the significant investments in dam construction, most of India still relies on groundwater for its water needs, with surface water sources accounting for less than 10% of the country's water requirements.

Impact of Dams on Development and Society

• While dams serve essential functions like storing water and generating electricity, their construction often comes at a high cost, both ecologically and socially. Large dams require vast amounts of resources and displace entire communities, forcing people to migrate. Moreover, the construction of dams often prioritizes commercial agriculture and industrial production over subsistence-based agriculture, impacting small farmers and traditional irrigation systems.
• Colonialism also played a significant role in disrupting local water management systems in countries like India and China. The British colonial government's revenue and land policies led to the privatization of water resources and the decline of traditional irrigation systems. In China, the state's withdrawal from maintaining the central hydraulic system led to a drastic decrease in the area under irrigation.
• Famines and droughts experienced by several countries in the late 19th century were also indicative of the impact of colonialism on local water management systems. These crises were not only a result of climate risk but also the failure of economic and political systems under colonial rule.

Challenges and Alternatives to Large Dams

• The construction of large dams has often been met with skepticism and criticism due to their potential ecological and social consequences. Seismologists have warned of the disastrous seismic effects of building large dams in certain regions, like the Three Gorges Dam in China. Moreover, the collapse of several dams throughout history has highlighted the potential risks and failures associated with these structures.
• Given these challenges, it is essential to explore alternative and sustainable ways of managing water resources. Traditional hydraulic infrastructure, like wells, ditches, and tanks, can be more efficient in addressing local water needs and preserving the environment. Additionally, state involvement in water management is crucial to ensure the equitable distribution of resources and the protection of vulnerable communities.

In conclusion, while dams have played a significant role in the development and growth of nations throughout history, their construction and maintenance often come at a high cost, both ecologically and socially. It is essential to critically examine the role of dams in development and explore sustainable alternatives for water management to ensure a more equitable and environmentally friendly future.

Arguments Against Large Dams

Large dams have always been a topic of debate, with arguments both in favor and against their construction. However, several significant arguments against large dams must be considered from the perspective of the UPSC exam. These arguments can be broadly categorized into four main areas: resistance and displacement, ecological consequences, human consequences, and financial consequences.

1. Resistance and Displacement: Large dams often face strong opposition from the local population, who are adversely affected by these projects. In many cases, large dam projects have failed or have been notorious for high levels of corruption and red tape. For instance, the Subarnarekha and Koel-Karo Projects in Jharkhand faced tremendous resistance from the local tribal population due to the displacement of people and submergence of arable land. Furthermore, Narmada Bachao Andolan, a movement against the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, drew global attention to the politics of large dam construction and its harmful impact on the environment.
2. Ecological Consequences: The construction of large dams leads to the permanent destruction of forests, wetlands, and wildlife. Moreover, they disrupt the migratory routes of animals, birds, and fishes, which can negatively affect the ecosystem and the lives of the local population. Dams also have environmental implications on the entire drainage area of the river, potentially causing floods and affecting the fertility of the soil.
3. Human Consequences: One of the most visible outcomes of dam projects is the displacement of people from their homes and lands. Displaced people often belong to tribal and rural poor communities, who are forced to migrate to overcrowded cities and live in dismal conditions. Additionally, the construction of dams often leads to severe work conditions for laborers and an increased risk of infectious diseases.
4. Financial Consequences: Dams entail huge financial investments, which critics argue are uneconomical. For instance, the Sardar Sarovar Dam's total final cost was estimated to be Rs. 11,154 crores, excluding other expenses and recurring costs. Financing for large dam projects often comes from international sources, such as the World Bank, at high-interest rates. This raises questions about the government's ability to repay these loans and fulfill its other development commitments and social welfare responsibilities, such as healthcare, education, and employment.

Dams, Displacement and Rehabilitation: An Analysis of India's Approach

India's approach to rehabilitation of displaced persons due to dam construction has largely been focused on providing alternative land titles or monetary compensation. However, this approach has several shortcomings and fails to address the larger social and cultural implications of displacement for marginalized communities such as tribes, pastoralists, and subsistence agriculturists. In this article, we examine the issues with India's rehabilitation efforts and suggest ways to make them more sustainable and inclusive.

• Inadequate Compensation and Bureaucratic Hurdles: The compensation provided to the displaced persons, both in terms of land and money, has often been inadequate and subject to bureaucratic procedures. Land values have been underestimated, and the quality of land provided has been poor. Moreover, many displaced persons lack land deeds, making it difficult for them to claim compensation. Monetary compensation, too, has proven insufficient as beneficiaries often spend the money on short-term needs and end up homeless and without resources in a matter of months.
• Environmental Degradation and Tensions between Communities: Rehabilitation efforts have led to deforestation and environmental degradation, as seen in the case of Nandurbar district in Maharashtra. The encroachment of forests by the displaced population has also caused tensions between them and the local tribes who depend on forests for their sustenance. Thus, the current rehabilitation approach aggravates environmental problems and social conflicts.
• Ignoring the Livelihood and Cultural Aspects of Rehabilitation: The focus on land-for-land compensation and monetary benefits overlooks the diverse livelihood options of the displaced people, which often include forest-based activities and subsistence agriculture. The current approach does not consider the replacement of lost livelihoods, which should be central to any rehabilitation effort.
  Moreover, the cultural aspects of rehabilitation are often ignored, leading to the destruction of traditional ways of life and the loss of valuable cultural and economic skills. The displaced people are treated as mere numbers, and their customs and traditions are not given due consideration in the rehabilitation process.
• Unsustainable Development and Inequality: The pursuit of large dam projects, aimed at addressing poverty and water scarcity, has led to environmental degradation, displacement of marginalized communities, and increased economic inequality. This approach to development has proven unsustainable and caters to the needs of a select population.

Towards a More Sustainable and Inclusive Rehabilitation Approach
To make rehabilitation efforts more sustainable and inclusive, the following measures should be considered:

1. Ensuring fair and adequate compensation: Compensation should reflect the true value of the land and take into account the diverse livelihood options of the displaced people. The bureaucratic procedures should be simplified to ensure that the displaced persons can easily claim their due compensation.
2. Focusing on livelihood restoration and skill development: Rehabilitation policies should prioritize the restoration of lost livelihoods and provide skill development opportunities to the displaced people to help them adapt to new environments and occupations.
3. Addressing environmental concerns and community conflicts: Rehabilitation efforts should consider the environmental consequences of land allocation and work towards minimizing deforestation and environmental degradation. Conflicts between displaced populations and local tribes should be addressed through dialogue and resource sharing arrangements.
4. Respecting cultural aspects and traditions: Rehabilitation efforts should be sensitive to the cultural practices and traditions of the displaced people and ensure that they are preserved and promoted in the new settlements.

India needs to adopt a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to rehabilitation, considering the economic, environmental, and cultural aspects of displacement. This will not only mitigate the negative impacts of dam construction but also contribute to the long-term sustainability and well-being of the displaced people and the wider society.

Conclusion

While dams have played a significant role in development and growth, their construction and maintenance often come at a high cost, both ecologically and socially. To address these issues, it is essential to explore sustainable alternatives for water management, adopt a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to rehabilitation, and ensure fair compensation and livelihood restoration for displaced people. Such measures will not only mitigate the negative impacts of dam construction but also contribute to the long-term sustainability and well-being of affected communities and the wider society.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of Dams & Displacement

What are the historical origins of dams and their role in development?

Dams have been a part of human civilization since around 3000 BC, with the earliest dam found in Jawa town, Jordan. Throughout history, dams have been constructed for various purposes, including irrigation, flood control, and power generation. In the 19th and 20th centuries, large dams gained popularity in countries like the United States, the Soviet Union, and China, as they were seen as essential resources for economic growth and development.

What are the main arguments against large dam construction?

The main arguments against large dams include resistance and displacement of local populations, ecological consequences such as destruction of forests and wildlife, human consequences like displacement of people and poor working conditions for laborers, and financial consequences due to the high costs and potential debt associated with these projects.

How has India approached the rehabilitation of displaced persons due to dam construction?

India's approach to rehabilitation has primarily focused on providing alternative land titles or monetary compensation. However, this approach has faced criticism for being inadequate, bureaucratic, and lacking consideration for the social and cultural implications of displacement on marginalized communities.

What are some alternative and sustainable ways of managing water resources?

Traditional hydraulic infrastructure, such as wells, ditches, and tanks, can be more efficient in addressing local water needs and preserving the environment. Additionally, state involvement in water management is crucial to ensure the equitable distribution of resources and the protection of vulnerable communities.

What measures can be taken to make rehabilitation efforts more sustainable and inclusive?

Some measures to improve rehabilitation efforts include ensuring fair and adequate compensation, focusing on livelihood restoration and skill development, addressing environmental concerns and community conflicts, and respecting cultural aspects and traditions of the displaced people.