Forced Migration and Urban Transformation in South Asia : Displacement, Resettlement, and Poverty

This book discusses the displacement of urban populations, inequality, and poverty in three cities in South Asia―Colombo, Jaffna in Sri Lanka, and Kochi in India. It focuses on the long-term effect resettlement and relocation has on the lives and livelihoods of urban internal displacement of populations (IDPs) primarily from urban poor classes. It also discusses the concerns faced by the displacement in post-war Sri Lanka. It examines the impacts of conflict on poverty and recovery in peri-urban settings. It emphasizes the role of agency of urban IDPs in strengthening their own well-being. It draws attention to how the agency of urban IDPs is compromised by the displacement processes and the weak local level governance structures in the cities. The book is intended for researchers, graduate students, and teachers of Geography, Social Policy, Refugees and Migration Studies, History, International Development, Urban Studies, and South Asian Studies. Preface Contents About the Editors 1 Echoes of Urban Displacement: Unveiling Lingering Consequences Introduction Urbanized Internal Displacement and Violence The Empirical Context Methodology and Research Design What this Volume is About? Conclusion: Setting the Stage for Exploration and Discovery References 2 From a Horizontal to a Vertical Lifestyle: Impact of Relocation on Sense of Belonging Introduction and Background Literature Review Methods of Data Collection Findings and Discussion Place-Related Distinctiveness Place-Related Continuity Place-Related Self-Esteem Place-Related Efficacy Conclusion References 3 Conflict, Poverty, and Recovery in Passaiyoor East in Jaffna City in Sri Lanka Background Literature Review Methodology Results and Discussion The Conflict and Displacement Poverty and Livelihoods Resettlement and Recovery Conclusion References 4 Rethinking Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Cochin City: Ignored and Concealed Introduction Objectives Data and Methodology Dependent Variables Findings Housing and Infrastructure Socio-Political Freedom Social Cohesion and Integration Debt Burden Among IDPs Households Household Factors Related to Debt Holding Household Factors Related to the Amount of Debt Household Factor Related to the Indebtedness Index Ratio Goodness of Fit Measures Discussions and Conclusion References 5 De-Housing and Re-Housing—Evictee’s Reflections on the Process: The Experiences of Relocation in Colombo and Cochin Research Methods and Tools Living with the Reality of Demolitions, Evictions, and Displacement Public Consultation in the Displacement and Resettlement Process Advanced Notice The Process to Determine House Ownership Resistance Towards Resettlement Distance from the Original Site Evictions with Use of Force Compensation The Process of Restoration of the Livelihoods Conclusions References 6 Older Person’s Lives in Relocated Community: A Case Study of Development-Induced Relocation in Colombo, Sri Lanka Introduction Ageing Population in Displacement Context Urban Relocation in the Sri Lankan Context Methodology The Study Setting- Sahaspura Housing Scheme Results and Discussion Sample Characteristics Affordability Community Connection Access to Services Safety and Security Necessary Services Design of Houses in the Sahaspura Housing Scheme Modifications Suit the Elderly Needs Maintenance Discussion and Conclusion References 7 Lasting Solutions to the Urban Displaced: Some Conclusions Introduction Ending Urban Displacement? A Recap of The Chapters A Tale of Three Cities: A Synthesis and Some Policy Learnings Returned or Resettled IDPs in Cities: Future Research References