In the past ten years or so, displacement by development projects has gone on almost untamed under the globalization pressures to meet the demand for land from local and increasingly foreign investors. Focusing on India, this book looks at the complex issue of resettling people who are displaced for the sake of development.

The book discusses how the affected farming communities are fiercely opposing the development projects that often leave them worse off than before, and how this conflict is a matter of serious concern for the planners, as it could discourage potential capital inflows and put India's growth trajectory into jeopardy. It analyses the challenge of protecting the interests of farmers, and at the same time ensuring that these issues do not hinder the path of development. The book goes on to highlight the emerging approaches to resettlement that promise a more equitable development outcome.

A timely analysis of displacement and resettlement, this book has an appeal beyond South Asian Studies alone. It is of interest to policy makers, planners, administrators, and scholars in the field of resettlement and development studies.

About the Author

Hari Mohan Mathur is Visiting Professor at the Council for Social Development, New Delhi. He has written or edited several books on anthropology, development and resettlement, including India Social Development Report 2008: Development and Displacement (2008) and Resettling Displaced People: Policy and Practice in India (2011).

Reviews

'This volume is an outstanding contribution from India to the international scholarship in the domain of development-caused displacement and resettlement. A richly packed idea resource, this will be indispensable for development practitioners, as well as researchers and students of resettlement, social sciences and development studies everywhere, not in India alone.'

Michael M. Cernea, Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution, USA, and Former Senior Adviser for Social Policies in the World Bank

'Displacement of people for "development projects" is the unseemly part of the modern growth story. People have been forced to relocate not once, but even twice and thrice in some cases. This analysis will help us understand the pain of humans displaced from their lands and homes and the policy we must seek for future growth for all.'

Sunita Narain, Director-General, Centre for Science and Environment, India

'Clearly written, this significant new work presents a strong case for resettlement planning that seeks to improve the lives of those displaced by planned developments. The work has a global focus, whilst enriched specifically by the case of India.'

Susanna K Price, Visiting Fellow, Australian National University and Former Principal Safeguard Specialist in Asian Development Bank

'Professor Mathur has been at the forefront of studies on development and resettlement. This new volume provides a welcome reflection on current trends and will serve as an important reference guide for students and those dealing with resettlement issues.'

David Marsden, Research Associate, University of London, UK, and Former Principal Social Development Specialist for the South Asia Region of the World Bank

Book Information
ISBN 9781138086982
Author Hari Mathur
Format Paperback
Page Count 248
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 453g