Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

Social activist and Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Medha Patkar ended her fast on late Monday after Madhya Pradesh government assured her of positive actions being taken up.

Kamal Nath-led government in Madhya Pradesh has sent Chief Secretary of the state, S C Behar to inform the activist about the steps being taken on the Narmada issue. Previously, on a day before, Medha Patkar’s health was reported to deteriorate. She had been sitting on a hunger protest from last 8 days to demand the rehabilitation of displaced peoples in the area. Sardar Sarovar Project in the region has caused thousands of people to move away from their livelihoods.

On August 25, Medha Patkar had launched the agitation called the “Narmada Chunauti Satyagraha” at Chhota Barda in Madhya Pradesh’s Barwani district. Her main demand was to protest against the decision to fill Sardar Sarovar Dam up to a level of 138.68 meters. The leader argued that if the dam authorities go ahead with this decision, then it will lead to submergence of 192 villages and one town. It was reported that around 32,000 families would have been affected by the decision.

Now, it is expected that the leader will visit the Bhopal on 9 September to have a discussion with the officials of the Narmada Valley Development Authority. It has been reported that if the meeting goes sour and no satisfying decision comes out, the leader will resume her ongoing protest.

Kamal Nath, while talking to the media earlier had informed that Sardar Sarovar Project is an inter-state scheme and a single state cannot take a unilateral decision. Therefore in this regard, Madhya Pradesh has urged Gujarat to follow the best-suited measure to share the water and sort out the issue.

NARMADA VALLEY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY-

Narmada Valley Development Authority was constituted by Madhya Pradesh government on 9 August 1985. It overlooks all major development projects in the Narmada Basin. The authority is also tasked with ensuring the proper rehabilitation of people and minimizing the negative impacts on the environment.

By Saurabh Parmar

Digital Journalist (Specializing in Indian affairs & Contemporary Political development)

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