International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Cultural Erosion and Identity Crisis: Impact of Forced Displacement on Indigenous Communities in Himachal Pradesh’s Dam Projects

This study examines the cultural erosion and identity crisis experienced by indigenous communities in Himachal Pradesh due to forced displacement from large-scale dam projects. Through a mixed-methods approach involving 450 displaced individuals across five major dam sites, this research reveals significant deterioration in traditional practices, language preservation, and cultural continuity. The findings indicate that 78% of displaced families reported severe disruption to ancestral practices, while 65% expressed concerns about intergenerational cultural transmission. Economic displacement patterns show that traditional occupation practitioners decreased from 89% to 23% post-displacement. The study employs cultural preservation indices, socio-economic impact assessments, and community resilience frameworks to analyze the multifaceted challenges facing these communities. Results demonstrate that while infrastructure development brings economic benefits to the region, it simultaneously threatens the cultural fabric of indigenous populations who have maintained their traditions for millennia. The research provides critical insights for policy formulation regarding culturally sensitive development approaches and compensation mechanisms that extend beyond monetary considerations to include cultural preservation strategies.