The socio-economic and environmental impacts of land acquisition: a case study of Panipat Thermal Power Station, Haryana

This study examines the socio-economic and environmental impacts of land acquisition under the Panipat thermal power station, Panipat in Haryana. The field survey shows that the development has been done at the cost of long term socio, economic and environmental impacts on the rural people; include loss of land, loss of means of livelihood, disruption of economic activities, persistent land related conflicts, inadequate compensation, severe environmental degradation, health problems and many other social problems. The study reveals that the quality of land deteriorated due to ash, dust and waste water released by the thermal power project. The environmental pollution effected health of people negatively. Our current development paradigms need to be rethought and restructured.