ABSTRACT
Resettlement or relocation that is the voluntary or involuntary movement of individuals or groups from one location to another is a common and widespread undertaking. This chapter addresses some of the complex issues related to voluntary resettlement. It is based on ethnographical research on the long-term impacts of the Gujarat earthquake and on communities’ perspectives on the outcome of the reconstruction and rehabilitation process. Resettlement may also be part of a recovery strategy or an option in the aftermath of a disaster. In this case, too, there are pros and cons connected with relocation; it may be an opportunity to start valuable new development initiatives that can produce long-term positive outcomes. The chapter shows that of critical importance for a positive relocation outcome are good housing conditions, functioning infrastructures and facilities, socioculturally appropriate residential patterns and settlement designs, and viable economic opportunities in the new site.
