Displacement is a profoundly traumatic event that causes important psychological distress. It often triggers emotional and physical reactions such as grief over losing one’s home, anxiety about an uncertain future, and a deep sense of helplessness in protecting one’s home and community from upheaval. These mental strains can also lead to physical illnesses and increased rates of morbidity and mortality during the transition, with effects that may past for years after relocation. This paper examines the health impacts on families affected by hydroelectric projects. The study is significant for two reasons: first, It highlights the rise in mental health issues caused by the stress families experience during displacement and second, it provides recommendations for policymakers on strategies to reduce the mental trauma faced by displaced families. This study focuses on families affected by the Rampur Hydroelectric Project, situated in the Kullu and Shimla districts of Himachal Pradesh. Primary data has been collected using an interview schedule containing both open- and close-ended questions, following a descriptive research approach. According to the latest SJVN records (March 2023), a total of 187 families affected, displaced, and rehabilitated have been identified. The unit of analysis is individual family members, male or female, and all 187 families have been included in the sample. The study found that during displacement, individuals affected by hydroelectric projects experienced significant stress and tension, which had a negative impact on their mental health. Many affected families reported socio-psychological issues, including symptoms of stress and post-traumatic trauma disorder, such as depression, anxiety, sleep turbulences, and recurring nightmares.
Bhandari et al. (Sat,) studied this question.
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