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About SEZ. India aspires for sustainable economic growth Worldwide experience, SEZs promote economic growth SEZ provides hassle free business environment Includes multi-products industries, commercial, residential establishments Involves acquisition of land at a stretch
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About SEZ • India aspires for sustainable economic growth • Worldwide experience, SEZs promote economic growth • SEZ provides hassle free business environment • Includes multi-products industries, commercial, residential establishments • Involves acquisition of land at a stretch • Such acquisition triggers social and environmental consequences *SEZ : Special Economic Zone
Land/Property Acquisition • Compulsory acquisition of land and/or properties • PAPs suffer economic, social and psychological disruptions • Impacts include temporary loss of houses/business • Implicates change of neighborhoods and compulsory migration • Complexity of losses makes valuation difficult • Often leading to physical and psychological disorders *PAPs : Project Affected Persons Contd…
Land/Property Acquisition • Varies with types & size of SEZ • Geographical location and existing landuse pattern • Land use restrictions in the host community • People with vested interest spoil the process • Government rate differs with market rates • Favorable interpretation of land acquisition Act (LAA, 1894)
Role of SIA • EIA alone cannot support decision making process • SIA provides comprehensive information on social impacts • Create public awareness about developmental requirements • Reduce impacts on people • Develop confidence amongst stakeholders for R & R policies • Social acceptance prior to environmental clearance *SIA : Social Impact Assessment; EIA : Environment Impact Assessment; R & R : Rehabilitation & Resettlement
SEZ Challenges in India • Social acceptance due to inadequate awareness • Availability of suitable lands for such projects • Land acquisition procedure not transparent • R & R policies not properly implemented • Local politics and state - central relationship influence • Need social intervention through comprehensive SIA
Responsibility of SIA • Safeguard environment and equity in economic benefits • Project anticipated changes in quality of life • Encourage better community and stakeholder relationship • Create concerns over developing pragmatic RAP • Involve in decision making process • Assess effectiveness of RAP implementation • Learn lessons and react