SJVN being a responsible corporate citizen is taking utmost care in resettlement and rehabilitation of its Project Affected Families (PAFs) whose land, house and other assets have been acquired or source of livelihoods have been affected. It has formulated and adopted exhaustive R&R plans which are being vigorously implemented in Projects . The basic objective of the R&R Plans are to increase the socio-economic standard of the PAFs or at least retain their previous standard. The major components of the plans are providing of alternative agricultural land, suitable constructed house or cash assistance for construction of house, employment, financial assistance for self assistance and various infrastructural facilities in their rehabilitated areas. The Nigam has followed the resettlement and rehabilitation policy formulated in consultation with Government of Himachal Pradesh to provide assistance and rehabilitation measures to all those who are affected by the project. Its various provisions are :
ImageDeveloped agricultural land to land less Project affected families (PAFs) equivalent to the area acquired or 5 bighas which ever is less. This 5 bighas would include any land left with the family after acquisition. Allotment of land will be made on the basis of landless certificate issued by the sub Divisional Magistrate of the concerned area who also acts as R&R Officer of the Project.
24 houseless families have been provided constructed houses in a well organized Rehabilitation Colony and 44 houseless families, as per their option, have been provided cash assistance of Rs. 45,000/- each for constructing houses.
75 displaced shopkeepers from Jhakri, have been provided shop plots in a organized Market Complex to restart their business.
Preference of allotment of shops at the shopping complex built at Project site –Jhakri to the displaced shopkeepers.
Provision for suitable employment to one member of each landless PAFs according to his capacity and qualifications, subject to availability of vacancy. However, a PAF who has been allotted a shop or plot will not be eligible for employment.
All these benefits are in addition to land benefit to PAFs under Land acquisition Act 1894.
The salient works under taken under R&R are as below
Land acquired from 480 families from 22 villages
107 landless families have been provided agricultural land
62 families became landless.
43 families were given cash in lieu of alternative house.
17 families were provided built up house.
41 were provided with land for land benefit.
3 have been provided shops in shopping complex.
61 landless families have been provided regular employment.
45 landless families have been provided alternative package of Rs. 2-3 lacs in lieu of employment.
53 other project affected families have been provided financial assistance up to Rs. 20,000/- under Income Generation Scheme for self employment.
46 students from PAFs have been provided Merit Scholarship for pursuing Technical Education.
16 awareness camps for horticulture / veterinary / agriculture practices have been organized in the affected areas.
18 schools situated in project-affected villages have been provided infrastructural and other aids like furniture, teaching aids, sports items etc.
Vehicles from 31 PAFs have been deployed for project works.
9 water supply schemes (WSS) in the affected villages have been provide through HP IPH Deptt. in lieu of dried up water sources in the area.
32 contractors from PAFs have been provided petty contracts with the project.
A mobile Health van has been put into operation to provide free medical services and medicines in Project affected villages and surrounding villages.
NJHEP has also carried out following area developmental steps with a view to raise the quality of the life of the local residents
Financial assistance of Rs. 17.5 crores to HP Govt. for construction of Rampur by-pass road.
Finance assistance of Rs. 8 crores to HP Govt. for construction of 200 bedded Mahatma Gandhi Hospital at Rampur.
Financial Assistance of Rs. 3.5 crores to HP Govt. for construction of road from Dam site Nathpa to village Nathpa.
Financial assistance of Rs. 75 lacs to HP govt. for construction of helipad at Rampur.
Financial assistance of Rs. 5 lacs to HP Govt. development of parking facility at Bus Stand Rampur.
Financial assistance of Rs. 50 lacs to HP Govt. for construction of road from village Jhakri to Dhar Gaura village.
Extension of education and hospital facilities existing at project area to the local people.
Construction of various link roads in the project areas linking various villages on the National Highway.
Construction of additional rooms and play grounds for various schools situated in the project area.
Providing of 5 bighas of land to Jhakri Panchayat for construction of Panchayat Ghar / Mahila Mandal/Temple etc.
Providing of financial assistance of Rs. 50,000/- each to 9 nos. of Mahila Mandals in the project affected villages.
Drinking Water facilities in villages Jhakri and Kotla where displaced families were rehabilitated.
Construction of English medium schools upto class 10+2 (DPS) at Jhakri
Implementation of Infrastructural Development Scheme in Project affected panchayats with a recurring annual budget of Rs. 1.5 Crores.
Mahila Mandal Bhawan at Puje(Nichar).
Double story building to Govt. Middle School Baro(Sungra)
Room and Hall for Panchayat Bhawan Ponda
Panchayat Bhawan for Tranda Panchayat at Nigulsari(Tranda)
Construction of houses for Rehabilitation for landless/houseless families at Jhakri
Improvement of Dhar Gaura link road
Special repair to the existing Bodh Mandhir Nigulsari
Construction of pucca path/steps from Tayawal to cremation site near river Satluj
Providing chain link fencing to the existing playground of Sr. Sec. School at Jhakri
Construction of playground at village Kinnu
Infrastructural facilities to the Schools : Govt. Primary School Sungra, Govt. Primary School Wadhal, Govt. Primary SchoolKochari, Govt. Primary School Kotla, Govt. Primary School Jeori, Govt. High School Wadhal, Govt. Sr. Sec. School Jeori
Mobile health Van
Image
A mobile health van for the benefits of Project Affected Families which visits the affected villages for health and hygiene awareness and treatment since Jan. 2000. So far 20,000 patients have been benefited and a sum of Rs. 25 lacs has been incurred on this activity.
In addition to above salient features the following schemes have been started with specific aim of care and development of Project Affected Families and local residents.
Income Generation Activities
Image
Support is provided to PAFs for starting Income Generation Activities such as poultry farm, milk diaries, taxis etc. A financial assistance is provided under this activity
Merit Scholarships Scheme for wards of PAFs
SJVN has also started Merit Scholarship scheme for the wards of PAFs who are undergoing vocational / professional courses in the fields of ITI’s, Diploma in Engineering/ Pharmacy ,Degree in engineering / Medicines .Under this scheme the wards will be provided scholarship @ Rs. 800/- Per Month to Rs. 1500/Per Month. 15 wards of PAFs are provided the Merit Scholarship.
Infrastructural Facilities and other aids to School
Infrastructural facilities and other aids in the shape of grants for Primary to Sr. Secondary level Government Schools within two Project area. Under this scheme financial assistance will be provided to the school so as to improve the infrastructure and other aids such as books, notebooks, computer, overhead projector, scientific equipment, extension of room etc., as per the requirements of the school . This scheme is linked to afforestation campaign also, where school students will be encouraged to plant saplings under a grant.
Compensation of Blast Damages
A compensation of 5.45 crores has been distributed to 5509 nos. local residents whose houses were affected due to blasting activities. This compensation was assessed by expert scientist of National Institute of Rock Mechanics and Geologist of Government of H.P.-
Scheme for Restoration of Water Sources
The construction activities of NJHEP extended in districts of Kinnaur and Shimla because of which water sources and schemes in the vicinity got affected. A sum of Rs. 88 lacs has been provided to Irrigation & PH Department, GOHP for restoration of dried up water sources and augmentation of water supply schemes got affected by project activities. A total of Rs. 145 lacs will be provided for this work.
Infrastructural Development Works
Image
SJVNL has spent Rs. 226 lacs on Infrastructural Development works in project affected area (project affected Panchayats ) ,where assistance is provided to affected Panchayats for community development buildings, school rooms, school play grounds, foot paths, foot bridges , cremation grounds etc.
Institutional Arrangement for R&R Implementation
Realizing need for proper infrastructure to implement the rehabilitation package, and help the PAFs to enhance their standard of living, SJVN has established Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) cells at NJHEP & REHP with qualified professionals. Project Information Centres (PICs) are also operational at Jhakri and Rampur. The PICs are meant to act as a channel of communication between the local population and the Project Management.
Image
Awareness camp in village
Image
Rural sports and prize distribution
Impact Assessment of R&R Activities in NJHEP.
A study was conducted by Agro Economic Research Centre, HP University, Shimla (HP) on the impact assessment of Resettlement & Rehabilitation (R&R) plan undertaken by NJHEP.
In the said study, the magnitude indices during 2002 (after the NJHEP Project Implementation) have been compared with the base line study (situation existing as on 1996) and with the control sample household data (households in project area which were not affected by NJHEP).
The findings of the study are
Family size of the PAFs declined from 7.14 to 5.44 persons per family.
Literacy rate has increased from 58% to 73%.
Average annual household income increased from Rs . 21,648 (at 1996 price level) to Rs. 76,575, which works out to be Rs. 29,114 in 1996 and Rs. 1,04,640 in 2002 at current price levels.
Proportion of families lving below poverty line has decreased from 25.6% to 16.8% now.
Average per capita monthly expenditure of PAFs increased from Rs. 575 to Rs. 674, showing an improvement in their consumption pattern and standard of living.
Percentage of workers engaged in regular employment increased from 20% to 30%.
Percentage of workers engaged in business increased from 7% to 9%.
More people live in pucca houses (45% as compared to 21% earlier).
More people have separate bathrooms in households (46% as compared to 21% earlier).
Improvement in the overall living standards of the families due to NJHEP implementation.
Diversification of income and employment avenues through income generation schemes, towards business and other self employment activities is taking place.
Improvement in the housing standards, quality of health care due to enhancement of diagnostic facilities with the introduction of mobile health unit by SJVN.
SJVN has taken measures to strengthen the existing infrastructure facilities, including health facilities and education and roads, which are providing immense benefits to the PAF’s in the project area.
Project affected families have received full and adequate compensation. The compensation amount has been used rationally and judiciously by PAFs. Overall situation of PAFs is better now.
The above findings by HP University present the sincere and earnest efforts of SJVN to Implement R&R Plan.
World Bank Appreciation
The World Bank Mission has monitored the R&R activities carried out in NJHEP time and again and has appreciated the efforts made for rehabilitation of the PAFs as under;
"The success of the resettlement activity undertaken in this Project is quite rare for India, and can be considered as one of the best examples of resettlement implementation in Bank-Assisted Projects in India. It should be considered as an example for other projects."
Data copied from (source): http://sjvn.nic.in/project-details.htm?7&7
ImageDeveloped agricultural land to land less Project affected families (PAFs) equivalent to the area acquired or 5 bighas which ever is less. This 5 bighas would include any land left with the family after acquisition. Allotment of land will be made on the basis of landless certificate issued by the sub Divisional Magistrate of the concerned area who also acts as R&R Officer of the Project.
24 houseless families have been provided constructed houses in a well organized Rehabilitation Colony and 44 houseless families, as per their option, have been provided cash assistance of Rs. 45,000/- each for constructing houses.
75 displaced shopkeepers from Jhakri, have been provided shop plots in a organized Market Complex to restart their business.
Preference of allotment of shops at the shopping complex built at Project site –Jhakri to the displaced shopkeepers.
Provision for suitable employment to one member of each landless PAFs according to his capacity and qualifications, subject to availability of vacancy. However, a PAF who has been allotted a shop or plot will not be eligible for employment.
All these benefits are in addition to land benefit to PAFs under Land acquisition Act 1894.
The salient works under taken under R&R are as below
Land acquired from 480 families from 22 villages
107 landless families have been provided agricultural land
62 families became landless.
43 families were given cash in lieu of alternative house.
17 families were provided built up house.
41 were provided with land for land benefit.
3 have been provided shops in shopping complex.
61 landless families have been provided regular employment.
45 landless families have been provided alternative package of Rs. 2-3 lacs in lieu of employment.
53 other project affected families have been provided financial assistance up to Rs. 20,000/- under Income Generation Scheme for self employment.
46 students from PAFs have been provided Merit Scholarship for pursuing Technical Education.
16 awareness camps for horticulture / veterinary / agriculture practices have been organized in the affected areas.
18 schools situated in project-affected villages have been provided infrastructural and other aids like furniture, teaching aids, sports items etc.
Vehicles from 31 PAFs have been deployed for project works.
9 water supply schemes (WSS) in the affected villages have been provide through HP IPH Deptt. in lieu of dried up water sources in the area.
32 contractors from PAFs have been provided petty contracts with the project.
A mobile Health van has been put into operation to provide free medical services and medicines in Project affected villages and surrounding villages.
NJHEP has also carried out following area developmental steps with a view to raise the quality of the life of the local residents
Financial assistance of Rs. 17.5 crores to HP Govt. for construction of Rampur by-pass road.
Finance assistance of Rs. 8 crores to HP Govt. for construction of 200 bedded Mahatma Gandhi Hospital at Rampur.
Financial Assistance of Rs. 3.5 crores to HP Govt. for construction of road from Dam site Nathpa to village Nathpa.
Financial assistance of Rs. 75 lacs to HP govt. for construction of helipad at Rampur.
Financial assistance of Rs. 5 lacs to HP Govt. development of parking facility at Bus Stand Rampur.
Financial assistance of Rs. 50 lacs to HP Govt. for construction of road from village Jhakri to Dhar Gaura village.
Extension of education and hospital facilities existing at project area to the local people.
Construction of various link roads in the project areas linking various villages on the National Highway.
Construction of additional rooms and play grounds for various schools situated in the project area.
Providing of 5 bighas of land to Jhakri Panchayat for construction of Panchayat Ghar / Mahila Mandal/Temple etc.
Providing of financial assistance of Rs. 50,000/- each to 9 nos. of Mahila Mandals in the project affected villages.
Drinking Water facilities in villages Jhakri and Kotla where displaced families were rehabilitated.
Construction of English medium schools upto class 10+2 (DPS) at Jhakri
Implementation of Infrastructural Development Scheme in Project affected panchayats with a recurring annual budget of Rs. 1.5 Crores.
Mahila Mandal Bhawan at Puje(Nichar).
Double story building to Govt. Middle School Baro(Sungra)
Room and Hall for Panchayat Bhawan Ponda
Panchayat Bhawan for Tranda Panchayat at Nigulsari(Tranda)
Construction of houses for Rehabilitation for landless/houseless families at Jhakri
Improvement of Dhar Gaura link road
Special repair to the existing Bodh Mandhir Nigulsari
Construction of pucca path/steps from Tayawal to cremation site near river Satluj
Providing chain link fencing to the existing playground of Sr. Sec. School at Jhakri
Construction of playground at village Kinnu
Infrastructural facilities to the Schools : Govt. Primary School Sungra, Govt. Primary School Wadhal, Govt. Primary SchoolKochari, Govt. Primary School Kotla, Govt. Primary School Jeori, Govt. High School Wadhal, Govt. Sr. Sec. School Jeori
Mobile health Van
Image
A mobile health van for the benefits of Project Affected Families which visits the affected villages for health and hygiene awareness and treatment since Jan. 2000. So far 20,000 patients have been benefited and a sum of Rs. 25 lacs has been incurred on this activity.
In addition to above salient features the following schemes have been started with specific aim of care and development of Project Affected Families and local residents.
Income Generation Activities
Image
Support is provided to PAFs for starting Income Generation Activities such as poultry farm, milk diaries, taxis etc. A financial assistance is provided under this activity
Merit Scholarships Scheme for wards of PAFs
SJVN has also started Merit Scholarship scheme for the wards of PAFs who are undergoing vocational / professional courses in the fields of ITI’s, Diploma in Engineering/ Pharmacy ,Degree in engineering / Medicines .Under this scheme the wards will be provided scholarship @ Rs. 800/- Per Month to Rs. 1500/Per Month. 15 wards of PAFs are provided the Merit Scholarship.
Infrastructural Facilities and other aids to School
Infrastructural facilities and other aids in the shape of grants for Primary to Sr. Secondary level Government Schools within two Project area. Under this scheme financial assistance will be provided to the school so as to improve the infrastructure and other aids such as books, notebooks, computer, overhead projector, scientific equipment, extension of room etc., as per the requirements of the school . This scheme is linked to afforestation campaign also, where school students will be encouraged to plant saplings under a grant.
Compensation of Blast Damages
A compensation of 5.45 crores has been distributed to 5509 nos. local residents whose houses were affected due to blasting activities. This compensation was assessed by expert scientist of National Institute of Rock Mechanics and Geologist of Government of H.P.-
Scheme for Restoration of Water Sources
The construction activities of NJHEP extended in districts of Kinnaur and Shimla because of which water sources and schemes in the vicinity got affected. A sum of Rs. 88 lacs has been provided to Irrigation & PH Department, GOHP for restoration of dried up water sources and augmentation of water supply schemes got affected by project activities. A total of Rs. 145 lacs will be provided for this work.
Infrastructural Development Works
Image
SJVNL has spent Rs. 226 lacs on Infrastructural Development works in project affected area (project affected Panchayats ) ,where assistance is provided to affected Panchayats for community development buildings, school rooms, school play grounds, foot paths, foot bridges , cremation grounds etc.
Institutional Arrangement for R&R Implementation
Realizing need for proper infrastructure to implement the rehabilitation package, and help the PAFs to enhance their standard of living, SJVN has established Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) cells at NJHEP & REHP with qualified professionals. Project Information Centres (PICs) are also operational at Jhakri and Rampur. The PICs are meant to act as a channel of communication between the local population and the Project Management.
Image
Awareness camp in village
Image
Rural sports and prize distribution
Impact Assessment of R&R Activities in NJHEP.
A study was conducted by Agro Economic Research Centre, HP University, Shimla (HP) on the impact assessment of Resettlement & Rehabilitation (R&R) plan undertaken by NJHEP.
In the said study, the magnitude indices during 2002 (after the NJHEP Project Implementation) have been compared with the base line study (situation existing as on 1996) and with the control sample household data (households in project area which were not affected by NJHEP).
The findings of the study are
Family size of the PAFs declined from 7.14 to 5.44 persons per family.
Literacy rate has increased from 58% to 73%.
Average annual household income increased from Rs . 21,648 (at 1996 price level) to Rs. 76,575, which works out to be Rs. 29,114 in 1996 and Rs. 1,04,640 in 2002 at current price levels.
Proportion of families lving below poverty line has decreased from 25.6% to 16.8% now.
Average per capita monthly expenditure of PAFs increased from Rs. 575 to Rs. 674, showing an improvement in their consumption pattern and standard of living.
Percentage of workers engaged in regular employment increased from 20% to 30%.
Percentage of workers engaged in business increased from 7% to 9%.
More people live in pucca houses (45% as compared to 21% earlier).
More people have separate bathrooms in households (46% as compared to 21% earlier).
Improvement in the overall living standards of the families due to NJHEP implementation.
Diversification of income and employment avenues through income generation schemes, towards business and other self employment activities is taking place.
Improvement in the housing standards, quality of health care due to enhancement of diagnostic facilities with the introduction of mobile health unit by SJVN.
SJVN has taken measures to strengthen the existing infrastructure facilities, including health facilities and education and roads, which are providing immense benefits to the PAF’s in the project area.
Project affected families have received full and adequate compensation. The compensation amount has been used rationally and judiciously by PAFs. Overall situation of PAFs is better now.
The above findings by HP University present the sincere and earnest efforts of SJVN to Implement R&R Plan.
World Bank Appreciation
The World Bank Mission has monitored the R&R activities carried out in NJHEP time and again and has appreciated the efforts made for rehabilitation of the PAFs as under;
"The success of the resettlement activity undertaken in this Project is quite rare for India, and can be considered as one of the best examples of resettlement implementation in Bank-Assisted Projects in India. It should be considered as an example for other projects."
Data copied from (source): http://sjvn.nic.in/project-details.htm?7&7