Excerpt

Historically, individuals, communities and enterprises have located themselves close to economically or socio-politically convenient locations, with limited knowledge of current or future risks. Some of these areas are particularly exposed to risks by virtue of their locations, such as trading ports or fertile river beds. Many existing neighbourhoods are now known to be exposed to high hazard risks, both climatic and tectonic, and in few cases decisions are being taken to relocate them (or themselves). While resettlement could provide a transformational opportunity for reducing long term risks (hazard and other socio-economic) for these people, their neighbourhoods and cities at large, other political and legal concerns often detract the decision makers from this goal and a holistic approach for long term development is not achieved. This short article intends to initaite the discussions around risk-related resettlements undertaken in the context of India.