International Journal on Science and Technology

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Call for Paper Volume 16 Issue 3 July-September 2025 Submit your research before last 3 days of September to publish your research paper in the issue of July-September.

A Sociological Analysis of Impact of Hydroelectric Project on the Rural Population Due to the Influx of Laborers and Workers

Author(s) Mr. Satish Kumar, Ms. Vaneeta Bhandari
Country India
Abstract Hydroelectric projects bring about profound changes across several dimensions of society, influencing patterns of migration, economic activity, and political frameworks. Their establishment typically involves a dual process: the displacement of local populations and the arrival of migrant workers. Together, these movements reshape host communities and give rise to notable social transformations. This study explores the impact of the Rampur Hydroelectric Project on rural populations, focusing on demographic shifts prompted by the influx of outside labourers and the wider sociological consequences of such developments. The significance of this research lies in two key areas. First, it illustrates how hydroelectric-driven population growth alters local socio-economic dynamics, affecting livelihood opportunities, incidences of crime, and the character of social relationships. Second, it provides actionable insights for policymakers and government bodies in mitigating the unintended outcomes of large-scale infrastructure projects. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating preventive as well as corrective strategies into the planning and implementation phases of development initiatives. Field investigations were conducted in Duttanagar Panchayat (Shimla district) and Gdej Panchayat (Kullu district), where 305 households were surveyed using a mix of structured and open-ended questions. Respondents were chosen randomly from household members available at the time of interviews. Employing both descriptive and explanatory research approaches, the study offers an empirical perspective on the social repercussions of labour migration linked to hydropower expansion. The results indicate that, although the inflow of migrants has opened up new income avenues for local residents—particularly through heightened demand for goods, services, and rental accommodations—it has also coincided with an increase in crime, especially theft, as reported by community members. In contrast, caste-based social relations showed little evidence of change, suggesting that entrenched hierarchies largely endure despite demographic restructuring.
Keywords Hydroelectric Projects, Rural Population, Labour Migration, Displacement, Demographic Change, Socio-economic Impact, Crime Rate, Inter-caste Relations, Policy Implications, Resettlement
Field Sociology > Data / Information / Statistics
Published In Volume 16, Issue 3, July-September 2025
Published On 2025-08-24
DOI https://doi.org/10.71097/IJSAT.v16.i3.7847
Short DOI https://doi.org/g9x3zj

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