Social Impact Assessment (SIA) was prepared by the Atlas Management Consultancy Services (AMCS) Private Limited.
- Area of 130 ha falling within tribal reserves will be diverted for the Great Nicobar Trunk Infrastructure Road project.
About Social Impact Assessment
- It is a process of research, planning and the management of social change or consequences arising from policies, plans, developments and projects (UNEP, 2007).
- According to the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act, 2013 conducting a SIA and preparing a Social Impact Management Plan is mandatory for land acquisition.
- This applies to government use, public-private partnerships, or private acquisition for public purposes.
Issue of tribal displacement and rehabilitation due to development
- Displacement: Developmental projects often target mineral- and forest-rich areas that are predominantly inhabited by indigenous populations. Example- Sardar Sarovar Dam project, Ken Betwa River Linkage.
- Impact of Displacement: loss of livelihood, cultural erosion, psychological distress and social disintegration.
- Rehabilitation: Tribals are provided rehabilitation through policies such as RFCTLARR Act 2013.
- Challenges in Rehabilitation: insufficient compensation, lack of community participation, bureaucratic hurdles and corruption.
Beyond displacement and rehabilitation, a holistic perspective include
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