India's Record Internal Displacements in 2024

Context:

• In 2024, India recorded 5.4 million internal displacements, the highest in over a decade, driven primarily by natural disasters such as floods, storms, and landslides.
• The global internal displacement numbers reached an unprecedented 83.4 million, largely due to conflict and climate-related disasters.
• The data was published by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), based in Geneva, Switzerland
• Internally Displaced Persons [IDPs] are individuals forced to flee their homes due to conflict or disasters without crossing international borders.

Reasons for Internal Displacement in India:

   1. Conflict and Violence:

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• India recorded 1,700 conflict-related displacements in 2024 with Manipur continued to being the hotspot.
• Armed Conflict: North-east India has experienced long-standing armed conflicts, such as the Naga movement and the Assam movement, leading to displacement. 
• Localized Violence: Caste disputes, religious fundamentalism, and "son-of-the-soil" policies can also trigger localized violence and displacement. For example, Mass exodus of Hindu Pandits in 1990 from Jammu & Kashmir
• Communal Violence: Communal or ethnic violence has historically been a cause of internal displacement. Example, the ongoing violence in Manipur has led to widespread displacement

2. Natural Disasters:

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• Floods: Floods accounted for two-thirds of all Internal displacements in India in 2024 [IDMC] Report.
• Cyclones and storms: Caused 1.6 million displacements in India in 2024 [IDMC 2024].  For example, Cyclone Dana affecting Odisha and West Bengal in 2024.
• Other Disasters: Earthquakes, droughts & landslides can also lead to internal displacement. For eg. Tripura experienced its worst monsoon in over 40 years, with 315,000 displacements caused by landslides in 2024 [IDMC 2024]

3. Development-Induced Displacement:

• Large-Scale Dams: Construction of large Dams require the acquisition of land, leading to the displacement of people. For Example, the construction of Narmada Valley Project  displaced millions of people
• Mining Activities: Mining operations can also cause displacement by disrupting livelihoods and altering the environment. 
• Land Acquisition: The acquisition of land for various development projects, including infrastructure and industrialization, can lead to the displacement of communities. 

4. Climate Change Induced Displacement:

• Climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, making communities more vulnerable to displacement.
• Coastal communities are at risk from sea-level rise, leading to displacement and land loss.

   5. Other Factors inducing Internal Displacement:

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• Economic Factors: Poverty and lack of economic opportunities can also contribute to displacement by forcing people to leave their homes.
• Discrimination: Discrimination against minorities and other marginalized groups can lead to displacement. 
• Demands for Self-Determination: Movements demanding autonomy or self-determination can also lead to violence and displacement. 
• Lack of Policy and Protection: The lack of a comprehensive national policy on internal displacement and inadequate protection mechanisms for IDPs can exacerbate the situation. 
• State Repression: State repression and suppression of certain groups can lead to people being forced to flee their homes.

How to ‘Prevent’ Internal Displacement?

1. Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding: Strengthening local conflict resolution mechanisms, promoting dialogue, and building peace are crucial for reducing displacement related to conflict.
2. Disaster Risk Reduction: Investing in early warning systems, community-based disaster management, and building resilience to extreme weather shocks can significantly reduce disaster-induced displacement.
3. Poverty Reduction: Addressing poverty and inequality can reduce vulnerability to displacement and make communities more resilient to shocks.
4. Climate Action: Implementing climate action and promoting sustainable development can help mitigate the impact of climate change-related displacement.
5. Data Collection and Analysis: Accurate data collection and analysis are essential for identifying vulnerable populations and planning effective interventions.

How to ‘Respond’ to Internal Displacement?

1. Relief and Assistance: Providing immediate assistance to displaced individuals and families, ensuring they have access to basic rights, including housing, food, health, and education.
2. Protection: Ensuring the safety and dignity of displaced people, including protection from violence and exploitation, is paramount.
3. Addressing Development-Induced Displacement: Development projects should prioritize the needs of displaced communities, ensuring adequate consultation, compensation, and livelihood opportunities.
4. Documentation and Registration: Establishing clear procedures for documenting and registering displaced individuals is essential for access to services and support.

How to ‘Recover’ after Internal Displacement?

1. Return of IDPs: When safe and feasible, supporting the return of displaced people to their homes and communities.
2. Local Integration: Facilitating the integration of displaced people into their host communities, including access to livelihoods, education, and social services.
3. Resettlement: Providing opportunities for displaced people to resettle in new areas, often involving land allocation, housing, and support for livelihood development.

Way Forward: Long Term Solutions to Internal Displacement

• Community Participation: Involving displaced communities in the planning and implementation of solutions is crucial for ensuring their needs and preferences are met.
• Addressing Underlying Causes: Solutions should not only address the immediate consequences of displacement but also the underlying causes, such as conflict, poverty, and inequality.
• Long-Term Sustainability: Solutions should be sustainable and ensure the long-term well-being of displaced individuals and communities.
• Addressing Legal and Policy Gaps: India needs to develop a National policy on Internal Displacement and implement the UN Guiding Principles on Internally Displaced Persons.
• International Cooperation: Essential for providing resources and expertise to support India's efforts in addressing internal displacement. Example: Trans-boundary water cooperation is essential to manage shared river systems.
• Public Awareness: Raising public awareness about the issue of internal displacement can help build support for policy and programmatic initiatives.
• Collaboration and Coordination: Strong coordination among government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations is crucial for effective response and long-term solutions.

Conclusion:

Addressing internal displacement in India requires a multifaceted approach focusing on prevention, response, and recovery. We need to focus on long term solutions, encompassing policy reforms, community-based intervention, and addressing the root causes of displacement.

The IDMC’s report, along with severe conflict- and disaster-induced internal displacements recorded in the past year, clearly underlines the need for a National policy to tackle internal displacements in India.

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