DEVELOPMENT-INDUCED DISPLACEMENT: Case of Kerala

The study is an integral part of an all-India effort to examine the state of displacement caused by pre-planned development projects in the country as a whole since independence. This book is the outcome of a research study of the nature, extent and consequences of displacement brought about by the implementation of development projects in Kerala during the period 1951-1995.

It is estimated that no less than 50 million people have been affected in this process. They have paid the price for the so-called ‘National Development’. What is unfortunate is that there exists no national policy or law to contain this wanton abuse of the rights of the poor. The Land Acquisition Act of 1894 is the only official and legal reference point we have on this issue. Even that is highly weighted against the interests of the poor.

The ultimate purpose of this research is to raise national consciousness on the enormity of human sufferings created by development projects through displacement, often without resettlement of large masses of the population, particularly the weaker sections, and to support the victims through policy changes in their favour.