Narmada Dam Height to be Raised, Activists Cry Foul

Days after a meeting between the new Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel and her predecessor Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Narmada Control Authority has authorised the raising of the Sardar Sarovar Dam height by 17 meters. The move threatens at least two and a half lakh people, mostly in Madhya Pradesh, with submergence, even as it promises to benefit Gujarat’s agriculture and industry. The decision, tossed between ministries of social justice, environment and water resources, has been held in abeyance for eight years – so what changed suddenly? And how is the government planning to ensure the rehabilitation of the lakhs of people whose livelihood and homes will be affected.

manishchowhan