The basic problem with the development model adopted by India - which is based on boosting power, mining and manufacturing
- is that more people are being displaced (by these mega projects) than the number of people who are being given fresh employment. And, worse, the benefits of these
development projects are not going to the people being displaced – but to outsiders (persons from other states).
The fact that the affected villagers are usually not involved in any of these negotiations does not help to improve matters. As for the long term environmental and ecological consequences of these mega projects - the process is termed environmental clearance - the process is often rushed through and reduced to a mere formality; thus giving rise to further anger amongst the affected people.
Whether the projects are in Uttarkhand, Bengal or in Orissa, the major demands of the affected people could be reduced to two or three:
- Permanent jobs for at least one adult member of the affected families.
- Remunerative (market) rates for the farmers whose land has been appropriated by the state government.
On face value, these demands seem to be justified – but the very grounds on which the state governments have attracted these industrial projects are by assuring the industries about the availability of land at cheap rates…
The net result of this standoff is (often) an outbreak of violence by the local villagers, directed at the local
administration; as it is the local administration that is responsible for providing a security cover to these mega projects. As for the industries, they are caught in the middle, not knowing whether to negotiate with the villagers or with the administration that is supposedly acting on their behalf.
The reason that the industries (and the industrialists involved) are persisting with their mega projects is because of the cheap availability of natural resources – such as coal, aluminum and iron ore – which are at a premium throughout the world. Further, due to stiff competition, these industries probably fear that if they opt out of these projects, their place will simply be taken over by some other company or conglomerate.
There is a consensus that India should develop – but not enough thought seems to have gone into the consequences of development… upon the concerned people and the local environment.