Skip to main content

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


By A 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.

Comments

TRENDING

A fearless spirit lost: Rebecca Thomson dies at 17-hour Catalina Swim Mark

By Harsh Thakor  On July 26, 2026, Rebecca “Becky” Thomson suffered cardiac arrest while attempting the Catalina Channel Swim — a marathon open water crossing from Catalina Island to the California mainland. After swimming for 17 hours, Thomson collapsed in the water. Despite the painstaking efforts of emergency responders and the medical staff at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, she succumbed to a devastating hypoxic brain injury and died Friday evening.

Hyderabad-based Urdu university "bars" entry of its new chancellor, who had "initiated" reforms in institute

Counterview Desk In an unusual controversy, Aslam Parvaiz, vice-chancellor of of the Hyderabad-based Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) has restricted the entry of its newly appointed Chancellor, Firoz Bakht Ahmed, allegedly because he was trying to initiate reforms, including setting up of a Maulana Azad Center for Composite Culture and Progressive Studies, Model Madrasa, Center for Empowerment of Muslim Women, Course for the Development of Legal Vocabulary and Legal Consciousness in Urdu, and so on.

Defying anti-insurgency campaign, Maoists hold demonstrate in West Bengal and Punjab

By Harsh Thakor*  In a notable development, despite the Government of India's sustained campaign against the Maoist insurgency in recent years, organisations in West Bengal and Punjab have continued to hold public programmes associated with the movement's political legacy. Recently, groups in Kolkata and Moga organised separate events focusing on the legacy of the Maoist movement, contemporary political developments, and issues relating to education, democratic rights and social movements.