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The author conducts a qualitative action research study exploring the communication dynamics between Government of India, civil society organizations (CSOs) and the people at the centre of the developmental debate surrounding large dams in India. The action research component comprised collection of empirical data from grassroots community activists and urban CSOs opposing large dams, through telephone and e-mail interviews. The research focused on the identification of barriers to community consultation in policy implementation, identification of community strategies for inclusivity and avenues of developing solutions to those barriers within the context of large dams. Analysis of participant interviews revealed that the path to sustainable development lies in adopting a communication approach focusing more on human development than on an economic approach emphasizing modernization. Calling for empowerment-aimed participatory communication through its recommendations, this book specifically acts a representation to India´s Administrative Reforms Commission and the Ministries of Human Resources, Local Self Government, Tribal Affairs and Social Justice and Empowerment.

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Durgesh Kasbekar holds an M.A. in Professional Communication from Royal Roads University, Canada. As an Independent Research Analyst and activist, he contributes over 11 years of experience in undertaking self-guided research and advocacy of strategic public policy issues relating to human empowerment and sustainable development.

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