10 of 25 Narmada dam gates closed: Lives of 32,000 oustees put in 'jeopardy'

By Our Representative
The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), which had suspended its Narmada dam oustees' agitation at Badwani in Madhya Pradesh following the Gujarat government decision to open 25 of the 31 gates of the dam to keep water levels in the reservoir at 131 metres, has asserted that the state government is now "playing" with the situation.
In a statement it said, "The latest news against is that Gujarat is playing with the situation and has close 10 out of 25 gates it had opened. This has let to arise in the water level in the reservoir of the dam. This would mean submergence of densely populated villages and can prove calamitous."
Appealing to "friends and supporters" to take up the call and express protest against filling the reservoir to 139 meters when life and property of 32,000 families is at stake, NBA said, "We also appeal to the volunteers to come down, be with the people and support the struggle that will enter into the next face without wasting any time. The situation is one of utmost urgency.
Earlier, NBA appreciated Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, accompanied by deputy CM Nitin Patel, reaching the dam site midnight to ensure that the water levels in the reservoir do not rise beyond 131 metres. For this, they ensured opening of 25 out of 30 gates, letting the Narmada waters flow in view of the "demand" of the people in the upstream and downstream of the valley.

The dam's full reservoir level is 139 metres.

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Mallika Sarabhai releases speech she was 'not allowed' to give at NID Convocation on Feb 7

Counterview Desk
The National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad, a Ministry of Commerce and Industry body, landed itself in controversy following its decision to put off its 40th convocation ceremony, where noted danseuse Mallika Sarabhai was invited as chief guest. The ceremony was scheduled to be held on February 7.

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By Nachiketa Desai*
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Counterview Desk
A quick report, prepared by Delhi's concerned citizens, "Let Us Heal Our Dilli", based on one-day visit (February 27) to several areas and mohallas of North East Delhi affected by the riots that gripped the country's capital -- Bhajanpura, Chand Bagh, Gokulpuri, Chaman Park, Shiv Vihar, Main Mustafabad (including Bhagirathi Vihar and Brijpuri) -- has said everywhere there is "zero trust" towards that the police.

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By Souparno Chatterjee*
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Rani Laxmi Bai, Tatya Tope 'martyred' by East India Company, Scindia's forefathers

By Our Representative
In an email alert to Counterview, well-known political scientist Shamsul Islam has said that was “shameful for any political party in democratic India to keep children of Sindhias in their flock” given their role during the First War of Indian Independence (1857). In a direct commentary on Madhya Pradesh Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia moving over to BJP, Prof Islam has quote from a British gazetteer to prove his point.

Big 'danger' of NPR: A babu can tag anyone as doubtful citizen, Jharkhand meet told

' By Our Representative
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By Our Representative
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By Rohit Prajapati*
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Haridwar Swamis lead Khudai Khidmatgar peace march in Delhi 'riot affected' areas

By Our Representative
A Khudai Kidmatgar team, which visited the riot-affected regions along with Swami Shivanand Saraswati and Swami Punyanand, has insisted that India's true heritage is the lesson of ‘vasudhaiv kutumbakam', and it is the responsibility of all to carry froward this legacy. Originally founded by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan in 1930, also known as Frontier Gandhi, Khudai Khidmatgar is claimed to have been revived by young Gandhian activist Faisal Khan in 2011.

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