SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHANGES IN THE LIVES OF PROJECT AFFECTED PEOPLE: A STUDY OF DISPLACED PEOPLE OF CHAMERA-I HYDRO POWER PROJECT IN CHAMBA DISTRICT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

Ravi basin had first hydroelectric power project 1904. But the development of Hydropower generation started in real sense with the installation of NHPC owned Baira Suil power project in 1982. After that the number of Hydroelectric Power Projects has increased rapidly till date. Chamera series of projects (Chamera-I, II and III) are the major projects and affected society at large including flora-fauna, physical environment by altering the ecology of the whole catchment area. These projects also displaced thousands of people and are still struggling for the identity even after 36 years at new place of their resettlement on the one hand and not got their dues and whatever they received they received with the intervention of High court and where some cases are still pending. This paper is an attempt to understand, more than three decades journey of NHPC in Ravi basin and the changes brought because of the power projects installed by NHPC. Specifically, changes in socioeconomic conditions of displaced people of Chamera-I will be the main focus of this paper. The paper is based on master level research conducted by the researcher by using exploratory research design and responses have been recorded by using interview schedule and observation methods. The research confirmed that this project has changed the way of living of people to a greater extend in many aspects of their life.