Land acquisition for special economic zones in India – Emerging issues

This study aims at examining the various issues rising up due to implementation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) throughout the globe, and India in particular, over the past few decades. In the recent past, there has been many controversies and protests against the implementation of SEZs for various reasons. These include land acquisition, rural empowerment, urban management, real estate development and environment. The analysis draws heavily on the existing literature and on international experiences. It also addresses questions such as are SEZs a real estate proposition, and should the private sector be allowed to develop SEZs.

The study also expresses concerns over the forcefully taking over of the lands of poor farmers and giving to the corporates/developers at the throw-away prices, in setting up of the SEZ estate itself, with the consequent habitat and biodiversity loss, depletion of water resources and landscape disturbances. The growth of industrial estates is also frequently accompanied by unplanned population migrations that can cause public health problems, additional environmental stress, and social dislocation.