Resettlement and Quality of Life of the Bhil Tribe in Sardar Sarovar Dam Area, India

Abstract

Displacement and resettlement of the human population due to the construction of large dams affect the physical and social conditions of the displaced families. The resultant resettlement process modifies the occupational patterns and the nature of health-related problems and, in turn, quality of life at the household level. Post-independence era in India has been earmarked for over all development through the construction of large dams to meet multiple purposes, however, such project has sometimes been opposed by several quarters on various grounds. One of the important criticisms against big dams is its effect on the quality of life of the displaced population. The present paper examines the quality of life among the Bhil and related tribes, which have been displaced by the construction of Sardar Sarovar Dam on River Narmada in the western part of India. The socio-economic conditions of this tribe after resettlement have taken a turn towards realignment through redistribution of land and division of labour. As the size of land holding given to the displaced tribal population has decreased, there is a shift in their occupation from cultivation to agricultural labour. Animal rearing as a source of livelihood has declined drastically except in poultry farming and people have also adopted diverse occupations in non-agricultural fields for their survival. The consumption of food among the resettled families has decreased after resettlement leading to poor health conditions as a result of which occurrence of diseases has increased in spite of increased availability of modern health facilities. Attitude towards health-seeking behaviour has also undergone a significant change, wherein the tribal families which earlier believed in black magic/witchcraft/necromancy and herbal medicine have shifted to treatment through allopathic medicines.