Privatisation of Dam and its Impact on the Livelihood of the Tribals in Gujarat

The current research shows the influence of government intervention on livelihood opportunities in a tribal community in Santrampur Tehsil, Mahisagar District of Gujarat. The major source of income in the Santrampur Tehsil was generated from agriculture and the allied sector. However, in 1979, the government constructed a dam on their agricultural land and provided fishing as a livelihood option. The dam, initially controlled via the cooperative model, was later privatized. To understand the dynamics between these multi-progned interventions, the study uses qualitative and quantitative data collection approaches followed by a participatory rural appraisal. The study reveals the impact of the government’s decision to privatize the dam on the tribal community. It further studies its relevance to livelihood sustainability and community development among the tribes. Moreover, the study will help in policy-making and conducting future research on other tribal communities in different Indian regions to evaluate the efficacy of government interventions.