Management of involuntary resettlement in infrastructure development projects in South Asia

Development of infrastructure projects particularly in South Asia has led to physical and economic displacement of local communities. Majority of those project affected, or displaced people are from vulnerable sections. Once removed from their communities and local environment due to acquisition of land for the infrastructure projects, they experience trauma and face many challenges, particularly in the process of resettlement and restoration of their livelihoods. Hence, management of land acquisition and resettlement of displaced people is prerequisite to be done well through planning, designing, engaging with stakeholders, compensating for loss of properties, restoring livelihoods, addressing the needs of vulnerable people and monitoring social impacts. This paper presents a conceptual framework on involuntary resettlement and discusses existing policies and laws on land acquisition and resettlement in South Asian countries particularly in India and Bangladesh. It also presents resettlement case studies of infrastructure projects of both countries to assess in the light of international best practices.