2014年-世界发展银行全球_Rampur_Hydropower_Project___Land_Acquisition_Resettlement_and_Community_Development_Practices_36页_1mb

RAMPUR HYDROPOWER PROJECT Summary

Core Content

The RAMPUR HYDROPOWER PROJECT (RHP), a 412 MW run-of-the-river hydroelectric project in Himachal Pradesh, was implemented by SJVN Limited (SJVNL), a public sector undertaking of the Government of India, with support from the World Bank. The project is located downstream of the 1500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydroelectric Project (NJHP) and involves the construction of a 15.17 km head race tunnel and a power house with six turbine generators. It was fully commissioned in December 2014.

Key Objectives

• To implement land acquisition, resettlement, and community development practices.
• To ensure equitable compensation and sustainable resettlement for project-affected families.
• To enhance the living standards and economic opportunities of the local population.
• To support the development of the local area through infrastructure and welfare measures.

Main Challenges

• Timely land acquisition in a remote, hilly, and underdeveloped area.
• Sustainable resettlement and rehabilitation of displaced families.
• Addressing the backwardness and remoteness of the region to ensure equitable development.

Innovative Practices

SJVN Limited adopted proactive and innovative approaches to social safeguards and community development, which included:

• Fair compensation based on market rates and court rulings, significantly higher than initial estimates.
• Self-relocation options for displaced families, offering them choice and financial assistance.
• Income generation opportunities such as petty contracts, employment by contractors, and vehicle rental.
• Community welfare initiatives including health services, skill development, and infrastructure improvement.
• Gender-sensitive policies aimed at women's empowerment through education and employment.

Land Acquisition

• Total land acquired: 80 hectares (50 hectares from state forest, 30 hectares from private landowners).
• Land acquisition process started in 2004 with an agreement between the Government of Himachal Pradesh and SJVNL.
• Private land acquisition was initiated in 2005 under the Indian Land Acquisition Act, 1894, and completed in 2006.
• A District Level Market Rates Fixing Committee was established to determine realistic land values, considering recent transactions, nearby projects, and land use.
• Compensation rates were set between Rs. 5.8–6.0 million (~US$ 1,05,450–1,09,090) per hectare, 10 times higher than the initial estimates.
• Additional compensation included 30% solatium on market value and 12% interest for the period following notification.

Resettlement and Rehabilitation

• 29 families were displaced, including 19 houseless and landless families.
• Self-relocation options were provided, with 15 families choosing a 60 sq. m plot and construction grant.
• Rehabilitation grants were given to support landless and houseless families, with amounts varying based on landholding size.
• Temporary accommodation was arranged for 18 months with options of leased housing or monthly cash support.
• Infrastructure development in resettlement colonies included piped water, roads, street lighting, and sewage treatment plants.

Community Development and Benefits

• Total community development expenditure: Rs. 480 million (~US$ 8.7 million) for basic infrastructure and welfare.
• Income enhancement through:
  • Petty contracts: 119 contracts worth Rs. 338 million (~US$ 6.15 million) were awarded to local people.
  • Employment by contractors: Over 0.71 million person-days of work were provided to the local population.
  • Vehicle rental: Around 60 light vehicles were hired, contributing to household income.
• Skill development: A technical education program was launched in 2006, sponsoring 195 candidates, including 31 females, with 174 completing their courses and 96 being employed by contractors.
• Apprenticeship program: Initiated in 2012, with 57 candidates, including 8 females, completing on-the-job training.
• Merit scholarships: 89 candidates, including 26 females, received scholarships for higher education.

Outcomes and Impact

• Improved living standards: Average income of project-affected families increased by over 50% in real terms.
• Housing improvements: 100% of affected families now live in pucca (permanent) houses, with average house size increasing from 578 sq.ft. to 985 sq.ft.
• Toilet and kitchen access: 91% and 95% of families respectively have separate toilets and kitchens.
• Income diversification: 60% of affected people added household assets or land.
• Employment increase: 25% increase in the proportion of people working in fixed income jobs.
• Health and education services: Mobile health units, medical camps, and dispensaries were established, benefiting over 58,500 people, including 51% females.
• Project acceptance: Strong community engagement and early consultation helped build trust and acceptance.

Policy Influence

The success of the RAMPUR HYDROPOWER PROJECT influenced the Government of Himachal Pradesh to mandate that all hydropower developers with projects over 5 MW must allocate 1.5% of the project cost to the Local Area Development Fund (LADF) for local development.

Financial Overview

• Total land acquisition and resettlement cost: Rs. 286 million (~US$ 5.2 million), less than 1% of the total project cost.
• Compensation and grants: Provided to ensure livelihood restoration and support for displaced families.