The Mangalore Power Company (MPC), which is being set up by Cogentrix Energy Inc. and CLP Power International Ltd, on the outskirts of Mangalore City, has resulted in the displacement of 350 families. MPC responded to the needs of the displaced families and planned and designed the Belapu Resettlement Colony in Udupi district of Karnataka, with the active involvement of the local community.

The Deputy Commissioner constituted a Village Development Advisory Committee (VDAC), comprised of the displaced families, land losers and community leaders, chaired by the Assistant Commissioner. The VDAC met at regular intervals to frame their requirements, and subsequently approved the architectural plans for the colony.

The VDAC has requested standardised housing design and free housing for the lessprivileged sections. Sustained efforts over the last two years have resulted in a model colony concept.

To maintain the architectural traditions of the region, Mangalore-based architects were selected. The design concept is such that it takes care to retain the cultural integrity and expresses the social cohesion of a Dakshina Kannada village. The colony is situated just 6 kms from the site of the power plant, so that the project-affected persons from the villages of Nadasala, Palimar, Nandikur and Hejamadi are resettled close to their roots.

The colony covers an area of 68 acres of government land and provides for a primary and secondary school, health clinic, police outpost, post office, veterinary clinic, amphitheatre, sports pavilion and playgrounds with provision for flood-lighting, modern market, bank, STD/ISD facilities, community parks and landscaped areas. The project also features an administrative building, kalyana mandap (marriage/community hall), recreation centre, library, bus stand,nationalised bank branch, commercial shopping complex, manicured traffic island, cooperative society and clock tower.

The residents of the colony will be provided free supply of domestic electricity and water for 30 years. Infrastructure includes sewage treatment with closed drainage systems, underground cabling and asphalted roads. An existing mosque in the vicinity is being refurbished, a new temple built and an existing bhoothasthana (spirit shrine) upgraded. A nearby church will also be supported by annual grants. The colony will be maintained by MPC for five years and thereafter managed by the residents.

Local sub-contractors will be extensively used in the construction activity so that the local community receives the direct economic benefit of the project. Competitive bids were floated in May 1997 for the turnkey construction of the resettlement colony, and R N Shetty & Co. of Hubli was awarded the contract in mid-February 1998. Valued at Rs 12 crore, the colony is scheduled to be completed withinone year from the date of ground-breaking. The displaced families will be provided with 11 months' house rent as an interim measure while the colony is under construction.

An extensive socio-economic study will be conducted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, to ensure economic rehabilitation as well as social and psychological support systems to facilitate the transition. The study will recommend specific interventions required for effective rehabilitation and social adjustment in the new community, such as job retraining for adults, scholarships for youth and priority employment opportunities for the affected persons.

The Belapu resettlement colony heralds a fresh beginning for the families who have faced uncertainty ever since the site was notified for power development 10 years ago.