ABSTRACT
Until 1984, only the Government could acquire land. Everyone else had to buy it directly from the farmers. In the original Land Acquisition Act, provision was made for cash compensation. There was no mention of resettlement and/or rehabilitation (R and R). The rules under the LA Act laid down that once the first notice of impending acquisition was issued, no repairs could be made without Government permission. NGOs notably the Narmada Bachao Andolan working for tribals as in the case of Sardar Sarovar Dam demanded forest land so that their life style would not change drastically. Most of the criticisms of the current model of development are valid. Some people certainly move away because they aspire to a better life. The price of the ageless Shangri-La is the inability to protect oneself. Pollution upstream will have its effect downstream even though the hamlets keep their cultures intact and refuse to let in the outside world.
