Social impacts of the construction of large dams on upstream livelihood : the case of Khersan-3 dam on Khersan river

This thesis analyses the social consequences of the construction of large dams on upstream inhabitants. It presents a background about the purposes and the consequences of the large dam constructions in the world as well as investigates on the resettlement issues associated with the large dam constructions. The thesis further illustrates the Iranian water status and water management system and shows the necessity of the dam construction in Iran. The thesis applies a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies as well as literature reviewing method to explore the thesis objectives. Moreover, key informants interview and semi-structured interview methods used during the data collection. The analysis draws upon the data collected from the Khersan-3 dam located on Khersan river in south-west of Iran. The case study allows me to examine the social impacts of large dam project through time and in details. The thesis focus on and analysis a range of social impacts associated to many large dam projects, including: the migration, population growth and resettlement of people near the dam site; fluctuations in the rural economy and employment status; impacts on infrastructure, communication and housing status; impacts on culture and traditions as non-material parts of life; and impacts tourist attractions and natural scenery of the area; impacts on religious and ancient monuments; and impacts on the industrial development of the region. The thesis concludes that by focusing more on the potential social impacts prior to the dam construction project, involved actors and policy-makers can reach to better decisions about which action should be undertaken and in what way since some of the negative social impacts associated to these kind of projects are permanent and irreversible. In the other word, the decision makers should focus on proactive management system in other to avoid social negative impacts of the construction of large dams rather than reactive management system.M-IE