Dams, development and disposability: Eco-anxiety, precarity and submerging voices in Na. D’souza’s Dweepa

Abstract The construction of large dams in India has faced criticism for its neo-colonial and capitalist practices. This highlights the importance of accountability, the consequences of development discourse, and the tangible impacts on the lives of those affected by dams, development initiatives, displacement, and denial of compensation. The pursuit of large-scale construction projects frequently promotes a conspicuous consumerist perspective, disregarding both marginalised groups and the ethics of sustainable development. The absence of ethical considerations such as empathy, inclusion, and egalitarian ideology in the development narrative often leads to the devaluation of certain lives while prioritising the safety and security of others. Within this particular setting, it is important to recognise the trajectories of those whose lives are considered disposable. In this context, the article scrutinizes Na. D’souza’s novella Dweepa , delving into the experiences of individuals who have faced eco-anxiety, precariousness, and vulnerability, ultimately culminating in their tragic demise due to the construction of the Linganamakki dam over the Sharavathi river.