Social Impacts of Land Acquisition, Resettlement and Rehabilitation in Odisha

Abstract

Land acquisition for industrialization, mining, dams, infrastructure, and urban expansion has significantly transformed the socio-economic landscape of Odisha. While development projects have contributed to economic growth and infrastructural advancement, they have simultaneously generated serious social consequences for displaced communities, particularly tribal populations, marginal farmers, and rural households. This research article examines the social impacts of land acquisition, resettlement, and rehabilitation (R&R) in Odisha by analyzing major development-induced displacement cases. The study highlights issues related to livelihood loss, cultural disintegration, social marginalization, gender inequality, psychological stress, and inadequate rehabilitation measures. The paper also evaluates the effectiveness of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (RFCTLARR Act) and Odisha’s R&R policies. The article concludes that participatory governance, transparent compensation systems, livelihood restoration, and culturally sensitive rehabilitation are essential for sustainable development and social justice in Odisha.