Development, displacement and social movement in the contemporary India: A case study of Odisha
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Development induced displacement has emerged as a significant socio-economic and political issue in contemporary India, particularly in resource-rich regions like Odisha. Large scale industrialization, mining projects, dams, and infrastructure expansion have led to the displacement of marginalized communities, especially Adivasi and rural populations who are heavily dependent on land and natural resources for their livelihoods. While such development initiatives are often justified in the name of economic growth and national progress, they frequently result in loss of ancestral land, habitat, identity, cultural disintegration, and inadequate rehabilitation. This paper examines the dynamics of development disguised displacement in Odisha, focusing on the rise of social movements as forms of resistance and negotiation. It highlights key movements such as anti-mining protests in regions like Niyamgiri Hills and resistance against industrial projects in areas like Kalinga Nagar, where local communities have mobilized to defend their land rights, environment, and identity. These movements not only challenge state led development paradigms but also bring attention to issues of environmental justice, human rights, and participatory governance. By analysing these struggles, the study underscores the tension between development and displacement and explores how grassroots mobilization has influenced policy discourse and legal interventions. The case of Odisha demonstrates that inclusive and sustainable development requires recognizing community rights, ensuring fair compensation, and incorporating local voices in decision-making processes.
Author: Sidhananda Pradhan
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7162673419