In its interim order, the Supreme Court bench has ordered a review meeting of four chief ministers of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, and the Union water resources minister, in order to seek a solution to the contentious issue of filling up the Sardar Sarovar dam up to the full reservoir level (FRL), 138.68 metres, which has submerged tens of villages in the Narmada Valley in Madhya Pradesh.
The interim order said that the review, which must include issues related with the rehabilitation of dam-affected people, should be carried out in accordance with the Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal (NWDT) award, which has the provision to set up a committee of chief ministers of the lateral states, with Union water resources minister as chairman. The committee has the power to look into any dispute that may arise on water sharing, rehabilitation of the oustees, and other related issues.
The next hearing of the petition filed by dam oustees, supported by the anti-dam organisation Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), has been fixed for September 26, in which three state governments -- Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra -- and the Government of India have been asked to remain present and put up their case.
The interim order was passed by the apex court bench consisting of Justices NV Ramana and Ajay Rastogi. Senior advocate Sanjay Parikh, who appeared in the court on behalf of the oustees, appreciated the interim order, said an NBA communique.
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