The dark underbelly of development often reveals itself in the process of wholescale relocation of communities and villages to make way for infrastructure projects. While such projects are often touted as symbols of progress and economic growth, the reality for those affected can be deeply unsettling and traumatic. When communities are uprooted for large-scale development or infrastructure projects like dams, highways, airports, new megacities or industrial zones, the original residents often face forced eviction or involuntary displacement. Families lose their homes, ancestral lands, and livelihoods.
This disruption can sever social bonds and traditional ways of life, leading to profound psychological and emotional distress. Despite promises of compensation and resettlement, affected communities frequently find themselves short-changed. Compensation packages may not reflect the true value of the property or adequately support livelihoods in the new location. Legal rights and customary land ownership often clash with government regulations, leaving residents vulnerable and powerless.
In most cases, decision-making processes around major development projects often lack meaningful consultation with affected communities. This absence of participatory planning disregards local knowledge and priorities, further marginalizing already vulnerable populations.
In some instances, the process of community relocation involves human rights abuses, including violence and harassment. Activists and community leaders who oppose these projects may face threats and intimidation.
NEOM City
The latest mega-project to come under the spotlight for alleged abuse of human rights, forced displacement of native communities and state repression of voices of dissent is the upcoming NEOM city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). NEOM is an urban area being built by Saudi Arabia in Tabuk.
Launched in 2017 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the total planned area of NEOM is 26,500 square km housing multiple regions, including a floating industrial complex, global trade hub, tourist resorts and a linear city (the LINE) powered by renewable energy sources. The estimated cost of the project is expected to reach $1.5 trillion.
A detailed investigative report by the BBC accuses the Saudi authorities of allowing entire villages to be wiped out, predominantly from the Huwaitat tribe, to make way for the LINE. Disturbingly, one villager, Abdul Rahim al-Huwaiti, was allegedly shot fatally during protests against the forced eviction.
Reports suggest that lethal force was authorized against those who resisted expulsion, under orders stating that “whoever continues to resist should be killed.” More than 6,000 people have reportedly been displaced, according to the Saudi government, with estimations from UK-based human rights groups suggesting a higher figure.
The BBC’s analysis of satellite images revealed the destruction of the villages of al-Khuraybah, Sharma and Gayal, including homes, schools, and hospitals, to make way for the project. At least 47 villagers were reportedly detained after resisting evictions, with many facing terror-related charges. Furthermore, individuals who publicly mourned al-Huwaiti’s death on social media were arrested. Compensation offered to those displaced has been questioned, with reports indicating that payouts have been significantly lower than promised. When approached by the BBC, the Saudi government and NEOM management declined to comment on these serious allegations.
Banbhulpura (Haldwani)
Residents of the 4,000-odd homes in Haldwani (mostly Muslims) got partial relief from the Supreme Court as they challenged the Uttarakhand High Court’s order to vacate 29 acres of railway land. The Banbhulpura area in the eye of the storm is a 2-km strip of land near the Haldwani railway station housing the Gaffoor Basti, Dholak Basti and Indira Nagar colonies.
The abruptness of the HC order left residents scrambling to secure their belongings and find alternative shelter in an impossibly short time frame, exacerbating their plight. The hapless residents continued to protest, pray, and beseech officials not to go ahead with the demolition. Besides houses, nearly half of the families claimed to have land leases.
The area boasts four government schools, 11 private schools, a bank, two overhead water tanks, 10 mosques, and four temples, in addition to shops that have been established over the course of decades.
This wasn’t just a matter of losing homes; it was the dismantling of a well-established community infrastructure, disrupting education, access to water, and religious practices.
Akbar Nagar (Lucknow)
In another case, the Supreme Court of India (10th May) upheld the Allahabad High Court’s order to demolish illegal settlements in Akbar Nagar in Lucknow (again most of them belonging to Muslims). The apex court agreed with the High Court’s verdict that the colony has been constructed on a floodplain area and the 15,000 residents living there do not have any document or title to show ownership of the land.
Significantly, the Supreme Court said that those who have applied for alternate accommodation should not be evicted before they are provided houses at other places. The court noted that 1,500 applications have been found to be eligible for alternative houses, and a further 706 are under scrutiny.
The Supreme Court rejected the objections of the petitioners claiming that the houses provided as alternatives are located in remote places. The apex court said that when they settled at Akbar Nagar, it was also a remote area, but it has become the center of the city. Sternly rebuking the complaints about the location of the offered residences, the court said, “You are getting what encroachers get. You are getting alternate accommodation.”
Welfare-centric development
The Huwaitat villages, Banbhulpura and Akbar Nagar are but a few examples of the thousands of human habitats that have to be sacrificed at the altar of high-tech infrastructure development.
In Islam, the principles of justice, compassion, and the sanctity of human dignity are paramount. The Quran and the Hadith provide clear guidance on these matters, emphasizing the importance of fair treatment, especially towards the vulnerable and oppressed.
Furthermore, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Beware of the supplication of the oppressed, for there is no barrier between it and Allah.” (Sahih Bukhari) This Hadith serves as a stern reminder that the cries of those wronged reach Allah directly, and thus, their suffering must not be taken lightly.
In light of Islamic teachings, it is imperative that development be welfare-centric and progress does not come at the cost of justice and humanity. True progress is achieved not merely through infrastructure but through the equitable treatment of all individuals, ensuring that development is inclusive and respects the rights and dignity of every human being. As Muslims, we must advocate for the protection of these rights and stand against any form of oppression, fulfilling our duty to uphold justice as commanded by Allah.