Machkund, Upper Kolab and NALCO Projects in Koraput District, Orissa

Since the 1970s mainstream Indian industries have begun exploiting the resources of the Eastern Ghats, a large portion of which lies in Orissa. This has led to severe environmental degradation with significant proportions of the population, largely tribals, being displaced. This article provides comparative studies of displacement, compensation and rehabilitation in three projects in Koraput district, including the National Aluminium Company (NALCO) operations. It highlights the need for a uniform, but flexible, policy on resettlement and rehabilitation.