Improving Economic Conditions of Project-Affected People: Case Study on Resettlement and Rehabilitation

Abstract

In a self-governing nation, the objective of development is not to encourage one specific style of urban living but to plan urban localities with the aim of offering individual citizens wider choices while simultaneously supplementing the abundant cultural styles. This article discusses the problem faced by the inner-city poor, living in unofficial settlements of a global south city (Chennai, India), when they undergo development-induced resettlement. By taking up a case study, this article explains the current practices concerning the environmental impact assessment (EIA) of a roadway project, and hence helps to evaluate the changes to the social fabric of the affected communities as well as the consequences faced due to forced rehabilitation. This study will provide insight for similar roadway projects envisaged for developing countries in future. With the existing development-induced resettlement and rehabilitation (R&R) practices, information from the selected case study, and the knowledge gained from earlier research studies, recommendations are proposed that will significantly improve the well-being of resettled people affected by similar development-induced projects. To attain the previously mentioned objective, this study revisits the R&R package of the Chennai Port–Maduravoyal Expressway in Chennai, India. A survey of the affected localities and population was undertaken for a better understanding of the many socioeconomic aspects for project-affected people (PAPs). Proceeding from the survey’s outcomes, an alternative layout for residential units are proposed, which in turn would improve the economic conditions of PAPs. The governing authority would need fewer resources to maintain the facilities provided because the additional features in the residential layout would offer a sustained source of income. From this study, the governing agencies and other stakeholders will find it beneficial to implement future R&R projects.