Building Resilient Communities: Rehabilitation And Development In The Wake Of Hydro Power Projects In Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh

Hydropower development projects lead to the forced relocation of millions of individuals belonging to indigenous tribes, which has serious consequences for marginalized populations. Hydroelectric projects have transnational repercussions, impacting indigenous tribes in multiple nations. Hydropower, although its benefits in terms of renewable energy production, also has significant negative impacts on populations that are forced to relocate. (Vancleef, 2016). The matter of relocation and rehabilitation in relation to hydropower development is intricate and diverse. The state of Himachal Pradesh in India has great potential for hydro-power development. Himachal Pradesh is confronting similar issues to those encountered by Uttarakhand. Specially, the Kinnaur, a tribal district has been a focus point for hydropower development because to its enormous river resources and topographical benefits. The study aims to examine the rehabilitation and resettlement issues encountered by people affected by projects in the area. It seeks to explore the rehabilitation and development approaches necessary to build resilient communities in Kinnaur amidst hydropower developments. Additionally, the study will propose Social Work Interventions aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods in the study area. This study is based on original field research conducted in two development blocks, Nichhar and Kalpa, within Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The research included 60 participants selected through random sampling from Nichhar and Kalpa, areas affected by the Shongtong (450 MW) and Karchham-Wangtu (1000 MW) hydro power projects respectively. The findings of the study shows that many affected individuals lack awareness of available infrastructure like community centre, educational institutes and health centers under the Resettlement and Rehabilitation policy. The project has severely impacted tribal livelihoods, making them insecure about accessing common resources.