Dam Disputes Highlight Land Acquisition, R&R Challenges
Why in News
A stone-pelting incident in a Madhya Pradesh village highlights ongoing disputes over dam construction, submergence of villages, and inadequate rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) for affected populations.
Background
Large infrastructure projects like dams, while crucial for development, often trigger socio-environmental conflicts due to inadequate implementation of the LARR Act 2013 and R&R policies, necessitating robust EIA and participatory governance.
Key Figure
• LARR Act — 2013 • Art. 300A — 44th Amendment Act 1978
Key Facts
- 1Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act (LARR Act) 2013: replaced Land Acquisition Act 1894.
- 2LARR Act 2013: mandates Social Impact Assessment (SIA) and comprehensive rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) for project-affected persons (PAPs).
- 3Art. 300A: Right to Property | constitutional right (not a fundamental right) | inserted by 44th Amendment Act 1978.
- 4Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): process under Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1986 | mandatory for large infrastructure projects.
- 5Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) Policy: aims to provide fair compensation, livelihood restoration, and social support to displaced communities.
- 6Narmada Bachao Andolan: prominent social movement against large dam projects (e.g., Sardar Sarovar Dam) highlighting displacement and R&R issues.
Exam Angle
Large infrastructure projects like dams, while crucial for development, often trigger socio-environmental conflicts due to inadequate implementation of the LARR Act 2013 and R&R policies, necessitating robust EIA and participatory governance.
PYQ Connection
PRELIMS_FACT|ASSERTION_REASON: Land acquisition laws; Right to Property