3 Review(s)

Large dams are useful for irrigation, flood control, generation of electricity and are symbols of 'development' They have also several disadvantages and have become very controversial, of late. While the planners and politicans are concerned about the techno-ecnomic feasibility and potential gains, the social cost is least attended to. The study pertains to the reconstruction of life by the oustees of the Hirakud dam who underwent traumatic changes in the 50s. It traces the genesis of the dam, the processes involved in its construction, displacement and physical rehabilitaion of population and the trials and tribulations and survival strategies of population who settled in different types of localities. Since the Hirakud dam is 35 years old and most of its benefits are already visible, the lesson drawn from it might be useful in the planning and construction of major irrigation projects in India. To that extent the study would be useful to planners and policy-makers, voluntary organisations, social scientists and the people at large who are likely to be affected in future due to construction of dams.