Jalsatyagrah ends after Govt of India, NCA officials 'promise' not to raise Narmada dam water level

By Devisingh Tomar, others* 

The recent Narmada Jalsatyagrah, a protest lasting more than 36 hours, was concluded with a commitment from participants to continue their fight against injustice unless the given assurances are honored. This intense demonstration involved numerous representatives from the Sardar Sarovar-affected communities, including prominent figures such as Medha Patkar, Kamla Yadav, Kesar Somare, Bhagwan Septa, Sushila Nath, and Kailash Yadav. 

The protest was lifted following commitments made by the Executive Member of the Narmada Control Authority (NCA) and the Principal Secretary of Jalshakti Mantralaya, Government of India, during a meeting at 9 PM, attended by hundreds of villagers from the Narmada Valley, local MLA Rajendra Mandloi, and Badwani Tehsildar. 

Authorities agreed to engage in dialogue regarding pressing issues such as resettlement and rehabilitation before any planned submergence, particularly in light of the destruction experienced in 2023, which included the loss of homes, farmland, possessions, and the lives of 1200 cattle and six individuals. 

The Narmada valley residents remain vigilant about the potential for illegal and unjust submergence impacting thousands of families across Madhya Pradesh, hundreds in Maharashtra, and many more downstream of the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat. This concern stems from the disastrous events of the 2023 monsoon, which were viewed not merely as a natural disaster but as a failure of state authorities to effectively manage reservoir operations from Bergi to Sardar Sarovar. 

As September 17 birthday of PM Modi approached, people feared it might mark another anniversary of devastation

The situation was exacerbated by unscientific and unauthorized changes to the backwater levels of the Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP), which incorrectly categorized 15,946 families as unaffected. The protesters called for immediate action to keep the gates of the Sardar Sarovar open and allow for a higher outflow of up to 5.5 lakh cusecs to protect river habitats and safeguard the livelihoods of Adivasi, Dalit, and other nature-based communities. 

As the September 17 birthday of Prime Minister Modi approached, the community feared it might mark another anniversary of loss and devastation for local farmers, laborers, fishworkers, cattle grazers, artisans, boatsmen, traders, and others in the Narmada Valley who have yet to receive complete and equitable rehabilitation. The protesters, having engaged in a 39-year struggle and reconstruction effort that has seen the rehabilitation of approximately 50,000 families, vowed to continue their mass mobilization and legal actions if necessary. 

Their commitment to uphold constitutional and human rights, as well as to advocate for sustainable, just development, is steadfast, particularly in the face of climate change and its severe impacts. The Narmada Bachao Andolan expressed gratitude to supporters across India and expects their ongoing backing until the very last affected individual receives just rehabilitation from the Sardar Sarovar project. 

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*Gourishankar Kumawat, Latika Rajput, Shyama Machuaara, Dhanraj Bhilala, Narmada Bachao Andolan