The CPI(ML) extends its full solidarity and support to the Narmada Bachao Andolan that for the past 32 years has waged an inspiring struggle to protect the environment and people’s land and livelihood. That struggle has led the way in questioning anti-people and pro-corporate policies being disguised as ‘development’, and in forging a pro-people definition of development.
The Government’s decision to raise the height of the dam from 122 metres to 139 metres will result in the submergence of 192 villages and one township, and the displacement of 40000 families, not to mention devastation of the precious environmental heritage of the country. The Supreme Court had stipulated that the Madhya Pradesh Government must ensure all civic amenities at the R&R (Rehabilitation and Resettlement) sites and create a situation conducive to shifting all the oustees to these sites before July 31. Instead the Government is forcing oustees to shift to temporary tin sheds minus any permanent provision of drinking water. It has thus flouted the Supreme Court order.
The CPI(ML) demands that the Government of Madhya Pradesh and the Central Government immediately stop the forced eviction of people and the project of raising the height of the Sardar Sarovar dam, pending the full rehabilitation and resettlement of those who will be ousted.
