Socio-Economic Condition of Affected and Resettled Households in Industrial Area: A Case Study of UAIL Project, Odisha

Abstract

Industrialization has broadened the way of development by increasing per capita income, enlarging the scope of international trade, high level of investment and employment generation in India. Meanwhile, the Government of Odisha saw mining as one of the key industries that can help in alleviating poverty in the state. But these mining projects required large scale deforestation and acquisition of land for industrial purpose. The adverse effects of mineral processing industries are many. Therefore this study has made a systematic and sincere effort to assess and explore the socio-economic conditions of affected and resettled households due to the establishment of Utkal Alumina International (UAIL) in Rayagada district. Purposively 100 households are studied through a systematic primary investigation in affected Dimundi village and resettled R&R colony. The study found that the establishment of UAIL is hazardous to environment and affecting the socio-economic status of the households. Prioritising the educational standard, health and other social conditions could resolve the problem of substandard life of affected and resettled households along with shifting the residents to a secured place.