Dams, Development, and Indigenous Communities

Abstract

This research explores the relationship between indigenous communities and large-scale infrastructure projects, specifically hydropower dams, revisiting a key topic in development studies. In the 20th century, large dams faced resistance worldwide due to their social and environmental impacts, and they were on the verge of being abandoned by international development actors. In the 21st century, they have come back in the form of large hydropower as a strategy for climate change mitigation through energy transition. This study examines why in Arunachal Pradesh, India - the epicentre of India’s 50,000MW Initiative for hydropower development – there was a relative absence of resistance on part of the indigenous communities, in contrast to their 20th-century counterparts. <br /> Using ethnographic methods, two sites were studied: one with active grassroots resistance (Lower Siang Hydroelectric Project) and another representing a typical case of cautious acceptance (3-project cascade in Shi valley). The fieldwork data was analysed using a framework amalgamated from the work on environmental justice and Conde and Billon’s variables of resistance to extractives. Findings reveal heterogeneity in responses across and within communities, with many cautiously accepting hydropower projects due to two key factors: improved harm mitigation practices (e.g., environmental and social impact assessments, monetary compensation) and shifts in indigenous livelihoods and resilience due to past development interventions. These factors have significantly minimised distributional injustice issues. <br /> Despite broad social acceptance, conflicts persist, rooted in issues of recognition and procedural justice. Indigenous territoriality and sovereignty often spark tensions both within communities and between communities and companies. <br /> The study concludes with a call to acknowledge the nuanced co-production of indigeneity and development, and to recognise indigenous territoriality and desire for active sovereignty to ensure equitable participation in global efforts for climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation.