From displacement to resettlement: the stakeholders strategies to mitigate impoverishment risks of the Ghazi Barotha Hydropower Project Pakistan

ABSTRACT Involuntary displacement caused by the construction of large hydropower projects has disastrous consequences due to poor planning, government institutional capacity limitations, and a lack of involvement of local communities in the development planning process. As a result, significant synergy among major stakeholders is critical for implementing long-term livelihood projects in affected areas. In this context, the study will critically investigate the relationships of significant players who have been involved in mitigating the risks of poverty linked with the Ghazi Barotha Hydropower Project’s affected people. The Water and Power Development Authority of Pakistan (WAPDA) collaborates with major stakeholders such as project NGOs and international financial institutions like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank to develop sustainable livelihoods restoration initiatives such as Employment Opportunities, Improved Resettlement and Social Inclusion, Social Mobilization, Integrated Regional Development Plans, Advocacy, and Land Compensation. The study found that the outcomes of these implemented strategies provided support in preventing poverty and considerably imparted sustainable livelihood options to affected communities.