(Feature Image: Tribals in Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh protesting against Basania dam in March 2024. Image: ETV Bharat)
The part 3 of annual 2024 overview on the dams and hydro projects covers the ongoing movements of dam affected people in India. All through the year 2024, the Narmada Bachao Andolan continued peaceful protests seeking justice for Sardar Sarovar Project affected villagers. Tribals in upper Narmada Valley have also been fiercely opposing the Basania dam. The Hirakud dam displaced people have demanded formation of statutory national commission to hear their grievances.
The plight of Pong dam affected villagers have worsened as they again face displacement from rehabilitated lands due to new development projects while most of the land given to Renuka dam affected has been damaged by floods. It is indeed tragic that despite sacrificing their land and livelihoods for the ‘development’ of the country decades back, thousands of dams affected villagers are still forced to fight for promised rehabilitation.
Worried over safety of Mullaperiyar dam, the citizens in Karela have threatened to resume protest. Plan for new dam by the state government to address their concerns is facing opposition from Tamil Nadu farmers. In Karnataka farmers have been opposing blasting in the KRS dam area.
The first part of the overview documenting accidents and disaster impact dams and hydro projects in India in 2024 can be seen here and the second part covering people’s resistance against hydro projects in Himalayan states can be seen here.
Sardar Sarovar Project Medha begins indefinite fast 15th June marked the beginning of an indefinite fast by Medha Patkar, for justice in the Narmada valley. The demands from this fast include rehabilitation of all the remaining Project Affected as per the laws, policies, and Supreme Court orders. The women and men in the present struggle are also asserting their right to, a fair market value compensation to all those who endured losses in the 2023 man-made devastation along the Narmada, the appointment of Rehabilitation officers and Hon. Members of grievance Redressal Authority, Madhya Pradesh, in all the vacant posts, and till all these tasks are not completed, maintaining the Sardar Sarovar water level at 122 metres (crest level), keeping the gates open. https://janataweekly.org/medha-begins-indefinite-fast-seeks-fair-compensation-for-16-000-narmada-dam-oustees/ (23 June 2024) https://countercurrents.org/2024/06/medha-patkars-fast-and-solidarity-movement-must-pave-the-way-for-speedy-justice-for-all-remaining-adversely-affected-people-of-narmada-dams/ (22 June 2024) Letter from a Member of Parliament to the PM about rehabilitation of Sardar Sarovar displaced and Medha Patkar’s ongoing fast. https://countercurrents.org/2024/06/open-letter-to-prime-minister-of-india-on-sardar-sarovar-dam/ (23 June 2024)
Sardar Patel would have led struggle against SSP: Medha Built on Adivasi land by wrecking the environment, the Sardar Sarovar Dam and Statue of Unity are hollow symbols dressed up as a tribute to Vallabhbhai Patel. One wonders what Patel would have done had he known about this history and the unconstitutionally imposed “Statue of Unity Act” that crushed the Adivasis’ right to self-rule through the PESA. He might well have climbed down the hillock and joined their struggle. (Medha Patkar) https://scroll.in/article/1075299/why-indias-tallest-leader-would-have-led-the-struggle-against-the-narmada- (08 Nov. 2024)
‘Questioning development concept is right of displaced’ NBA activist Medha Patkar has said that after last 39 years of Narmada struggle and constructive work, the fight for the rights of the displaced, deprived and exploited is now entering the 40th year and it will continue. In the rally, thousands of displaced people from three states of Narmada Valley have pledged to do Satyagraha to reduce the water level of Sardar Sarovar Dam with nationwide support. A review of dams in the Upper Narmada Valley & cancellation of Chutka Nuclear Power Project were also announced.
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A rally was organized by the displaced people of Sardar Sarovar Dam on the occasion of completion of 39 years of Narmada Bachao Andolan in Barwani district. Addressing the rally, Medha Patkar also reiterated the declaration that “submergence without rehabilitation is unacceptable” and warned that the water level of Sardar Sarovar should not be allowed to rise in Sep 2024. She warned of water satyagraha. https://hindi.downtoearth.org.in/river/displaced-people-have-the-right-to-question-the-concept-of-development-medha-patkar (2 Sep 2024)
MPs get false answers on SSP displaced? In the reply given by Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Chaudhary in July 2024 to the questions raised by Ramjilal Suman, senior MP, not only the question has been misinterpreted or incompletely answered; but the statistical information given is also incorrect.
Even after thousands of Narmada Valley displaced persons have achieved rehabilitation through satyagrahi, non-violent struggle, thousand families are still suffering from denial of rehabilitation in sheer violation of orders from Supreme Court in 2000, 2005, 2017, High Courts and Grievance Redressal Authority. In this context, the news of false answers being received to the questions raised by MPs and MLAs in Lok Sabha and Madhya Pradesh Vidhansabha is very shocking. https://www.counterview.in/2024/08/blog-post_573.html (9 Aug 2024)
Appeal for rehabilitation of affected families In an appeal to the NCA on June 19, several concerned citizens, retired bureaucrats, environmentalists, activists, academics, and people’s organisations from across the country have called for the immediate and complete rehabilitation of all the families affected by the Sardar Sarovar project and asked for the reservoir level to be maintained at 122 m. Further, the petition pointed out that the rehabilitation of a few thousand affected families still remains pending and “the delay in providing justice by state and central govts and responsible agencies is particularly unjust towards Dalits and Adivasis”. The signatories have also sent a copy of the letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav, Gujarat chief minister Bhupendrabhai Patel and union Jal Shakti minister C.R. Patil. Social activist Medha Patkar is on an indefinite fast since Jun 15 demanding that all the people affected by the Sardar Sarovar project should be rehabilitated as per the Supreme Court order. https://thewire.in/environment/activists-former-bureaucrats-appeal-for-rehabilitation-of-families-affected-by-sardar-sarovar-project (19 June 2024)
People’s organizations write to NCA As the Narmada Satyagraha and indefinite fast by social activist Medha Patkar enters 5th day, hundreds of concerned citizens, activists, academics, environmentalists, film makers, former bureaucrats, feminists, youth activists and people’s organizations from across India wrote to the Narmada Control Authority (NCA) and other authorities, calling upon them to address the legitimate demands of the movement. They appealed for immediate & complete rehabilitation of all affected families & maintaining Sardar Sarovar reservoir level at 122 m, until then. https://countercurrents.org/2024/06/hundreds-of-concerned-citizens-and-peoples-organizations-across-india-write-to-narmada-control-authority/ (19 June 2024)
Village submerged for dam remains thirsty & neglected Despite literally living inside the Narmada Dam, 40-year-old Sumitra Tadvi laments the lack of potable water in Manibeli village of Maharashtra. “The problem is worse in the monsoon when the rain makes the water muddy. We consume the water as it is… Whom should we complain to?” she asks. The village, part of the Nandurbar district, was among the firsts to be submerged during the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam in 1993-94. Manibeli is part of the Akkalkuwa ST reserved Assembly constituency of Nandurbar ST Lok Sabha seat. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/village-submerged-for-narmada-dam-remains-thirsty-and-neglected-9321216/ (11 May 2024)
Tribals fight for water, forest & land continues The statue, whose name has been registered in the Guinness Book of World Records, has stories of tribals’ fight for water, forest and land hidden behind it. Sadhu Bet Island, where the statue has been built, used to be a place of worship for the local tribals. However, the tribals claim that there are 72 villages around the Statue of Unity which have been affected by this project. But the six villages that have been worst affected are Kevadia, Waghadia, Kothi, Limbdi, Gora and Navagam which are right around Sadhu Bet. https://hindi.feminisminindia.com/2024/05/06/six-years-after-statue-of-unity-adivasis-see-no-development-hindi/ (06 May 2024)
Water problems exist despite SSP Water management expert Himanshu Thakkar, while talking to BBC Gujarati, says, “Narmada Dam is not a solution. There are many problems in delivering water from long distances. For that, one has to depend on the mercy of centralized powers. Instead, rain harvesting, ground water recharge, catchment protection and maximum use of local water sources would be more beneficial.” Talking about the water problem in Gujarat, Himanshu Thakkar says, “On the one hand, the work of Narmada Canal in Kutch is incomplete and on the other hand, Narmada water is being discharged into the Sabarmati river. Discharging this water into the Sabarmati river was not part of the Sardar Sarovar project. Apart from this, water is being supplied to industries, due to which water does not reach the needy.” https://www.bbc.com/gujarati/articles/cd10zp5y545o (26 March 2024)
Demands of Narmada oustees About seven years after a massive protest, the state govt on Nov 18 2023 announced the integration of 80 settlements affected by the SSP Dam with village panchayats as a step forward in the rehabilitation process. However, as the govt says most grievances in this regard have been resolved, settlers in two of the six affected districts say their long-pending demands remain unmet. In 2016, Shira vasahat — a settlement affected by the SSP Dam — had become the centre of a huge protest that lasted 7 months. Jiku Tadvi, 60, an NBA activist, led the hunger strike. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/sardar-sarovar-dam-project-rehabilitation-before-village-mergers-narmada-oustees-want-demands-met-9099291/ (8 Jan 2024)
Farmers protest incomplete Narmada canal work This Gujarati report says the Kutch Kisan Sabha have threatened agitation if the govt does not expedite the work on Narmada Kutch Canal network as promised for so many years. https://www.divyabhaskar.co.in/local/gujarat/kutch/news/if-there-is-no-speed-in-the-work-of-narmada-canal-in-kutch-the-farmers-will-start-agitation-soon-132330771.html (23 Dec. 2023)
2 affected climb mobile tower Frustrated by years of unmet promises, two individuals affected by the SSP climbed a mobile tower in Gujarat’s Narmada district on Friday to protest their unfulfilled demands. The duo, Dinesh Pasiyabhai Tadvi from Chichdia village and Babita Bachumbhai Tadvi from Nawagam Limdi Chichdia village, took this extreme step to highlight the grievances of dam-affected families.
The protest stems from long-standing issues related to land acquisition and employment guarantees, dating back to the construction of the SSP Dam. Despite assurances from govt officials in 2016-17, their demands remain unaddressed, prompting the dramatic demonstration. https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/sardar-sarovar-project-affected-climb-mobile-tower-in-gujarats-narmada-district (06 Dec. 2024)
NBA struggle faced many difficulties Medha Patekar, the NBA leader, has been on a hunger strike for the last one week for the rehabilitation of the flood-affected people of the SSP and for their basic amenities. This Rajkamal Blog covers some excerpts from Nandini Ojha’s book ‘Sangharsh Narmada’ where the author has a conversation with Keshavbhai Vasave, one of the main activists of this movement. https://rajkamalprakashan.com/blog/post/megha-patkar-and-narmada-bachao-aandolan-read-an-book-excerpt (21 June 2024)
Book review: Nandini Oza, The Struggle for Narmada: An Oral History of the Narmada Bachao Andolan, by Adivasi Leaders Keshavbhau and Kevalsingh Vasave https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00380229241240052#core-collateral-purchase-access (04 April 2024)
Bhadbhut Dam People of villages in Ankaleshwar in Bharuch district are demanding proper compensation for the land to be acquired for the under construction Bhadbhut barrage on Narmada river. (DRP NB 26 Aug. 2024)
Fisherfolks oppose allotment of land to salt-making companies Fisherfolks in Bhadbhut village of Bharuch district protested the allotment of land earmarked for Narmada barrage project-affected fishermen to two salt-making companies from Gandhidham. During a protest on 4 April 2024, the fishermen opposed the move and urged the govt to halt the work on the Bhadbhut barrage until a decision is made regarding the allocation of land to them. The 5.5. acre of Aliabet land was in 2018 proposed by the Kalpsar Dept, overseeing the Bhadbhut barrage project along Narmada river, for allocating it to traditional fishermen families who had lost their means of livelihood due to the barrage project. The fisherfolks have been waiting for six years for the govt to allocate them land at Aliabet but have seen no progress.
Leaders of Samast Bharuch District Fishermen Society on 28 March 2024 had threatened to stop the ongoing barrage work on the fishing and breeding ground of the fishermen in the Narmada river bed. Fishermen say that due to the operation of Bhadbhut Barrage, Hilsa fish population has decreased, which has directly affected their business to the tune of up to Rs 500 crore. On 18 March 2024, fishermen met with MLA Aniruddh Singh Rana and submitted a formal complaint against the govt’s proposal to allocate land to the salt industry. Sunil Machi, the Sarpanch of Bhadbhut said, “The govt has betrayed us. We put our faith in them & suspended our agitation, only to find out they’ve allocated land to other industries without consulting us. If the govt persists with the Bhadbhut barrage project, we will resume our protests against the barrage project.” https://www.landconflictwatch.org/conflicts/fisherfolks-oppose-allotment-of-land-to-salt-making-companies-in-gujarat-s-bharuch (04 April 2024)
Madhya Pradesh Basania Dam Survey team sent back The team that reached village Odhari in Mandla to survey the proposed Basania dam on the Narmada river had to face opposition from the villagers. People from many nearby villages gathered to protest the survey team. The villagers said that since they do not want the dam, what is the use of survey? https://www.bhaskar.com/local/mp/mandla/news/there-was-a-huge-protest-against-the-team-that-came-to-survey-the-basaniya-dam-133829894.html (18 Oct. 2024)
NBA opposes land acquisition NBA leader Medha Patkar has sent a letter to the collectors of Dindori and Mandla districts, objecting to the land acquisition process of affected farmers under the Raghavpur and Basnia multipurpose project. Patkar says that the gram sabhas of the affected areas have not given their consent for land acquisition. https://www.deshgaon.com/voices/medha-patkar-opposes-land-acquisition-in-narmada-valley-demands-constitutional-process/ (28 Sept. 2024)
Interesting to see Gond tribals in Mandla remembering their heroes to oppose Basania Dam on Sept 18, 2024. (DRP NB 160924)
CM’s compensation proposal rejected A controversy has arisen over the recent statement of the Chief Minister, in which he had talked about increasing the compensation for Upper Narmada, Raghavpur, and Basaniya dam affected people. Reacting to this, Bajari Lal Sarvate, President of Basaniya (Odhari) Dam Virodhi Samiti said that the demand of the affected people is not compensation, but to cancel the dam. A resolution on this issue has been passed in the Gram Sabha and handed over to the administration and public representatives, but despite their disagreement, the administration is going ahead with the land acquisition proceedings, which is a violation of PESA law and rules.
The committee claims that the former CM had said in writing in the Assembly in 2016 that many dams including Basaniya were cancelled. Now there is a deep conspiracy of private companies and bureaucrats behind restarting these dams. He warned that the construction of the dam will cause irreversible damage to the environment, biodiversity and aquatic life of the area. The members present in the meeting appealed to the govt to cancel the dam keeping in mind the demand of the tribal society. Also, it was decided that on the occasion of World River Day on 22 Sep, a resolution conference will be organized to save Narmada. https://www.deshgaon.com/voices/dam-affected-people-rejected-cm-mohan-yadavs-compensation-proposal-adamant-on-the-demand-of-cancellation-of-dam/ (22 Aug. 2024)
‘Poison us if you want to build the dam’ Opposing laying of foundation stone of the Basniyaan Dam, Sangharsh Samiti organized a Mahapanchayat on March 5 in which hundreds of men and women from dozens of villages participated. The women of the Sangharsh Samiti told the media, “We will not give our water, forest, land to anyone. We are very happy here, we do not want a dam to be built on our land. If the govt still wants to build a dam, then poison us and build a dam here.” https://www.etvbharat.com/hi/!state/mandla-mahapanchayat-against-basaniya-dam-mandla-villagers-protested-faggan-singh-kulaste-mps24030601548 (6 Mar 2024) https://www.youtube.com/shorts/FW0shfQeDLo (7 Mar 2024)
Tribals angry over laying of foundation stone Protesting the laying of foundation stone of Basania dam by PM through video conferencing in violation of PESA rules, hundreds tribals from the affected village of Odhari took a pledge to protect their land and forest from submergence. They proclaimed, “No one will move, dam will not be built”. The tribals also decided to hold a Mahapanchayat of Basaniya dam affected people in Odhari on March 5 when the PM was expected to lay the foundation of stone for several developmental projects including Rs. 5500 crore Basania, Raghavpur and Upper Narmada Dam project.
Notably, the Mandla and Dindori districts are classified under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution (Special Arrangement for Tribal Areas), where PESA laws and rules are in effect. All the Gram Sabhas of the project-affected villages have already passed a resolution against this project. https://cmlive.in/2024/03/01/mahapanchayat-of-affected-tribals-protesting-against-laying-of-foundation-stone-of-basaniya-dam-on-march-5/ (03 March 2024) All the gram sabhas of the project affected villages have passed resolutions against this project. Even after this, inaugurating the project is a violation of the constitutional rights granted to the tribals under the PESA rule. https://www.etvbharat.com/hi/!state/mandla-basaniya-dam-foundation-stone-tribals-many-villages-protest-mps24030103102 (01 March 2024) Tribals angry over laying of foundation stone of Basaniya Dam, call for Mahapanchayat on March 5 in protest. https://www.humsamvet.com/mp-info/four-people-injured-in-clash-firing-and-stone-pelting-between-two-groups-over-land-dispute-in-morena-29092 (29 Feb. 2024)
Affected oppose ToR approval Commenting on the proposal, the EAC on 25 Jan 2023 had mentioned that the project includes 2107 ha forest land. No exercise has been done to include only the least forest and neither has the alternative site analysis been submitted with this application. The committee had also said that the project would require a large area of forest including inhabited by the tribal population.
Basaniya (Odhari) Anti-Dam Sangharsh Samiti has raised the question that this dam will submerge 6343 ha & only 8780 ha will be irrigated. It is also well known that out of the irrigation target set, much lower, at the most 60-65% target is achieved. On the other hand, due to 40% plant load factor, upto 350 million units electricity can be produced annually from 100 Mw. Destroying natural resources for such little irrigation and electricity production is not in the interest of the tribal community. The organization has decided that a letter will be sent to the Ministry of Environment on behalf of all the affected villages and social organizations in protest against the project. https://indiancrimenews.com/?p=93353 (14 Jan 2024)
Rajkumar Sinha on Basania Dam on Narmada River The govt’s insistence on building big dams has been creating havoc in the Narmada Valley since the seventies, while the benefits enumerated from them have not been effective till date. http://surl.li/pomty (19 Jan. 2024)
Narmada dam activist gets Baba Amte award Senior social worker Rajkumar Sinha, a recipient of the Baba Amte Social Worker National Award and also Bhagirath Prayas award from the India Rivers Forum, has been working towards the conservation of the Narmada River and the communities living along the river for the last 30 years. His organisation, Bargi Dam Visthapit and Prabhut Sangh, has been campaigning against destructive projects in the upper reaches of the Narmada River and fighting for the rights of people affected by the Bargi Dam. https://www.spsmedia.in/gandhian-philosophy/baba-amte-social-worker-national-award-for-the-year-2023-to-raj-kumar-sinha-of-madhya-pradesh/ (30 Dec. 2023)
Bargi Dam Very imp issue raised by Rajkumar Sinha of Bargi Bandh Visthapith Sangh: (DRP NB 080424)
Omkareshwar Dam Govt should take decision on giving compensation to farmers’ sons: High Court’s decision on Omkareshwar dam affected people; NBA filed a petition. https://www.bhaskar.com/local/mp/jabalpur/news/high-courts-decision-on-omkareshwar-dam-affected-people- (30 Nov. 2024)
Morand-Ganjal Tribals protest against dam The tribal community has united and registered protest against the proposed Morand-Ganjal dam in the Narmada Valley. Despite heavy rains, hundreds of villagers attended the conference organized in village Lahi under the “Jindagi Bachao Abhiyan” and strongly opposed the dam construction. Ashok Parte, Sarpanch of Samardha Panchayat, said that tribal farmers have irrigated their fields in the last decade and are now growing three crops. He alleged that the government is conspiring to make tribals laborers by submerging their land. He said, “Our ancestors brought us up by working as laborers in others’ fields, but now we have become self-reliant with our hard work. This dam will ruin our hard work and future.” https://www.deshgaon.com/voices/morand-ganjal-dam-protest/ (30 Dec. 2024)
Odisha Hirakud Dam ‘Form statutory commission to hear grievances of displaced people’ Civil society members and activists met Governor Raghubar Das here on July 12 and urged him to take steps for setting up a statutory national commission to hear the grievances of displaced people. “Starting from the Hirakud dam project until today, around 45 per cent of displaced people have been rehabilitated or compensated. The remaining are still struggling to get their dues,” said activist Prafulla Samantara.
A 4-member delegation submitted a report on ‘Displacement and Human Rights Violations- The Odisha Story’ before the governor. It was prepared by the jury members headed by Manoranjan Mohanty, a retired professor of Delhi University, after conducting regional public hearings with displaced people of Odisha. In the recommendation part of the report, the jury members suggested forming a statutory body like the National Human Rights Commission to hear the grievances of displaced people. It can be called the National Commission on the Rights of Displaced People. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/activists-wants-statutory-national-commission-to-hear-grievances-of-displaced-people/articleshow/111696354.cms (12 Jul 2024)
Oustees get land pattas after 6 decades ANOTHER OFFICIAL EVIDENCE THAT HIRAKUD OUSTEES HAVE STILL NOT BEEN FULLY RESETTLED: A wave of joy and fulfilment swept over the families displaced by the Hirakud Dam project as over 200 beneficiaries finally received land pattas after six long decades, in a special programme held at Kurla village in Rengali block on Aug 1. The Hirakud dam project was inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru on Jan 13, 1957. However, its oustees were assured 10 decimal homestead lands as compensation by the former BJD govt in 2002. Though 20 years passed, the promise remained a distant dream for the hundreds of displaced families.
Reportedly, at least 26,501 families were affected due to the construction of the dam and 16,934 applications for homestead land were submitted by the displaced families, including 10,465 in Jharsuguda dist, 2,719 in Sambalpur dist, 3,100 in Sundargarh dist & 650 in Bargarh dist. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2024/Aug/02/hirakud-oustees-get-land-pattas-after-six-decades (02 Aug 2024)
Odisha Lower Suktel dam PAFs yet to be properly rehabilitated The displaced families of Lower Suktel dam project of Balangir district are yet to be properly rehabilitated. A survey was conducted in 1996 and the Lower Suktel project was initially planned to be built at a cost of Rs 216 crore. However, initially the work could not start due to public opposition. Later, in 2012, a movement was started in favor of the project and the plan materialized. Since 2021, the work was accelerated and finally the Lower Suktel project was built at a cost of more than Rs 5259 crore. However, even today, the displaced people have not been resettled and rehabilitated properly.
29 villages, 15 completely and 14 partially were submerged. Out of the 11,606 affected families, 7,212 families have been completely affected while 4,126 families have been partially affected. Where did the people of these villages go? What are these displaced families doing after losing their livelihood and being washed away by the dam water? There are many unanswered questions. The chief construction engineer of the Lower Suktel Irrigation project said that the resettlement of the displaced people is continuing.
The district administration has identified 10 places for the resettlement of the displaced families. Houses have been provided in areas like Jhankar Pali, Larkipali, Khujen Pali, Hardatal, Kusmel, Bagdia, Lankabahal etc. At the Jhankarpali rehabilitation area. There is no pond for the villagers or school for the children. Besides, the road work is going on at a slow pace. Many families who were displaced and stayed here in 2022 are still deprived of complete resettlement and proper rehabilitation. The displaced people were evicted from their house overnight with many promises. Now all the promises have remained empty. The sacrifice the people made to make this possible are in sorrow, because they are yet to be properly rehabilitated. https://kalingatv.com/features/balangir-displaced-families-of-lower-suktel-dam-project-yet-to-be-properly-rehabilitated-watch/ (28 Dec 2024)
Himachal Pradesh Pong dam affected oppose ESZ plan Over 25,000 people displaced by the Pong dam on the Beas river have been waiting to be relocated for over five decades. Many of them were surviving by farming around the dam region. But a draft policy to declare Pong Dam eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) is likely to impact these oustees again, who are planning to protest against the MoEFCC’s decision. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/governance/pong-dam-eco-sensitive-zone-awaiting-rehabilitation-for-over-50-years-not-consulted-for-policy-decision-say-locals-93814 (10 Jan 2024) Even after five decades have passed since thousands of families were uprooted to make way for the construction of Pong Dam in Kangra district, the cases of 6,736 families, who await rehabilitation, are still pending. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/pong-dam-displacement-5-decades-on-over-6k-families-still-await-rehabilitation-101729272564033.html (18 Oct. 2024)
PAFs protest airport expansion Residents of Gaggan near Dharmshala are protesting against the land acquisition for the airport expansion without ascertaining feasibility. They are also demanding better compensation for those getting displaced again as they were earlier displaced for the Pong dam. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/gaggal-residents-protest-airport-expansion-move-584634 (26 Jan. 2024) Locals across the 14 affected villages have vehemently opposed the govt’s plans for airport expansion, resorting to multiple protests. About 1,500 households set to be affected by the impending land acquisition for the proposed expansion of Kangra airport by the govt. Among these households are many that were previously displaced in the early 1970s due to the construction of the Pong Dam. The uncertainty surrounding the govt’s plans for resettlement and rehabilitation only adds to their anxieties. The construction of Pong Dam which started in 1961 displaced 20,722 families and 1.5 lakh population. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/displaced-to-make-room-for-pong-dam-families-in-kangra-dread-another-search-for-new-home-101708409600705.html (20 Feb. 2024)
Bhakra, Pong, Renuka dams affected continue to struggle Bharat Dogra on injustice to dam displaced: The people being displaced by the Renuka dam have demanded alternative sites for their rehabilitation as most of the land earlier provided for their rehabilitation has been washed away or suffered harm in recent torrential rains. This land is in Sirmaur district. The Rs 7000 Cr project envisages the construction of a 148-m-high rock-fill dam on the Giri river.
On Sep 3/4, the evictees of Renuka dam, under the banner of Jan Sangharsh Samiti (JSS) held a meeting and a protest march at Renukaji. “25 panchayats, comprising 41 villages and 7,000 people, will be affected by the project, while 346 families have been rendered homeless.” People have demanded that those living very close to the danger mark and on forest land should also get the recognition of displaced families for proper compensation.
These problems of the displaced people at an early stage of the construction of Renuka dam have opened the wounds of the displaced people of dams like Pong and Bhakra who had to sufferer a lot for decades to get justice. A delegation of their organization, the Pong Bandh Visthapit Samiti met the authorities to seek redress of their grievances. A press note by them explained that 20,772 families were displaced while only 16,352 were found eligible for the allotment of land. However, only about 5000 had been rehabilitated properly till about a year back. https://countercurrents.org/2024/09/from-renuka-to-pong-to-bhakra-dam-evictees-and-dam-affected-people-in-himachal-pradesh-have-been-struggling-for-justice/ (8 Sep 2024)
Bihar Kosi Satyagraha to seek justice for embankment affected people Kosi Satyagraha Padyatra will be taken out on 30th Jan to raise the issue of three hundred and fifty villages situated within the Kosi embankment. Mahendra Yadav, convener of Kosi Nav Nirman Manch, said that proper rehabilitation of lakhs of people trapped between the Kosi embankments has not been done till date. Every year these people are forced to face the terrible devastation of floods and erosion affecting their agriculture and homes and leading to increase migration from the area. Kosi farmers are gradually becoming unorganized laborers.
Every year the level inside the embankment of the river is rising due to the silt, which is putting pressure on the embankment. It can cause devastation anytime in the future for the area outside. The govt is reducing the width between the embankments from the west and constructing safety dams and spurs by taking foreign loans. Due to this, floods and devastation are increasing every year for the people living within the embankment. At the same time, the danger for the people outside is also increasing. https://www.bhaskar.com/local/bihar/supaul/news/satyagraha-march-will-start-on-january-30-132367637.html (31 Dec. 2023)
Jharkhand Ambitious Mandal dam project still hangs fire Since its inception in 1972, the project suffered several delays and hurdles owing to various reasons ranging from displacement-related unrest to land acquisition issues among others. In the early 90s, when Jharkhand was still part of Bihar, the work came to an abrupt halt after spending a huge chunk of the allocated funds because of the lack of an environmental clearance as the site falls inside the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR).
The Modi govt revived this project in 2019, dubbing it one of its ambitious projects in the interest of the farmers in the parched areas and got the environmental clearance. In October last year, the cabinet committee on economic affairs chaired by the PM also approved a revised cost to the tune of Rs 1,622.2 crore for the completion of the project. The revised cost included rehabilitation, and resettlement amounts for the displaced people. Work, however, has still stalled since 2019, local sources which were aware of the ground situation said.
According to the latest govt records, 780 families in at least eight villages in the dam submergence area need to be rehabilitated. Locals, however, have been claiming that the number of such families is over 1,000. While the administration offered compensation payments in three instalments, the villagers are steadfast in taking a one-time payment and they are demanding land for rehabilitation. “The displaced are demanding one-time money in advance and say that they will vacate the area once the gates of the dams are ready to store water,” Kumar added.
On the other hand, Pratap Tirkey, the president of the Kutku Doob Area Sangharsh Committee, said the villagers don’t want to be tagged as anti-development but are concerned about their livelihood and future after their displacement. “Since all are forest dwellers and the site falls under the reserve area, there is a provision of providing land for rehabilitation besides the compensation amount. We, too, want this project to see the light of the day but at the same time, the govt must ensure our future,” Tirkey said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/mandal-dam-modis-ambitious-irrigation-project-still-hangs-fire/articleshow/109514832.cms (23 April 2024)
Karnataka Protesting farmers threaten to march to Linganamakki dam site The farmer union in Sagar on Wednesday (Oct. 23) vowed to reclaim land at the Sharavathi backwaters, threatening to barge into the Linganamakki dam. Farmer leader Dinesh Shiravala has announced to undertake a march to the dam site on Thursday (Oct. 24). The dam, located in Sharavathi valley and built across the mighty Sharavathi river, is located 120km from Shivamogga city. Thousands of families were displaced during the construction of the dam in the 1960s. Now, forest authorities have served eviction notices to these displaced families where they had settled down. Speaking to reporters at the protest site in Sagar town, Dinesh said the state govt has neglected agitating farmers, seeking to secure the rights of those displaced. District officials had met the protesters on Tuesday (Oct. 22), but no solution could be hammered out. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysuru/farmers-plan-bold-march-to-linganamakki-dam-amid-eviction-threats/articleshow/114516738.cms (23 Oct. 2024)
Sagar Police took the farmers on a protest march to Linganamakki dam to custody near Kargal in Sagar taluk on Friday (Oct. 25). Within minutes after Minister for School Education Madhu Bangarappa met the protesters, the police took the protesters into custody and carried them to Sagar Town Police Station in Sagar. The farmers, who lost their land for the dam projects in the district, have been staging the protest in front of the office of Assistant Commissioner in Sagar since October 21, demanding a grant of land for the families displaced by dam projects. They chose to take out a march to Linganamakki Dam from Sagar on Thursday (Oct. 24). As they were about to reach Kargal, Madhu Bangarappa, Minister in-charge of the district, met them. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/police-take-farmers-on-protest-march-to-linganamakki-dam-into-custody/article68796467.ece (25 Oct. 2024)
KRS dam dependent farmers object to increasing water projects Reacting to the launch of the Cauvary fifth phase project, to supply drinking water to 110 villages that were merged into Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) recently, Farmers’ leader Sunanda Jayaram on Oct. 17 said that already, the farmers in the villages of Maddur and Malavalli taluks, at the tail-end of the canals that originate in KRS Dam, are not getting water for crops. “Bigger and newer drinking water projects will only aggravate the problems of the farmers in Mandya district, as a major portion of the Cauvery River water from KRS Dam would be exploited for drinking water needs. The KRS Dam was built to irrigate farmlands. But now, most of its water is being used for drinking water purpose,” she pointed out. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/objective-of-building-krs-dam-marred-by-drinking-water-projects-farmer-leader-3236960 (17 Oct. 2024)
Farmers stage protest against proposed trial blast near KRS The KRRS faction led by Badagalapura Nagendra said that though the district administration was carrying out the exercise to pave the way for the trial blast as directed by the High Court of Karnataka, the KRRS has urged the authorities to plead for additional time from the High Court. “We have lot of doubts and uncertainties and as stakeholders they need to clarify before commencing the trial blast,” said Mr. Nagendra. Besides, who is to ascertain that the trial blast itself was safe and did not endanger the dam, he questioned. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/farmers-stage-protest-against-proposed-trial-blast-near-krs/article68363087.ece (03 July 2024) The efforts of the authorities to carry out trial blasts had been blocked thrice by farmers’ outfits, including KRRS. The last attempt was in March 2024 when a team of experts from Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR) arrived in Mandya to prepare the ground for trial blasts in the vicinity of KRS reservoir. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/farmers-reiterate-opposition-to-trial-blasts-near-krs-dam-suspect-karnataka-government-of-pandering-to-interests-of-mining-lobby/article68354605.ece (1 July 2024) They protested against the State Government, Police and officials for excluding them from the meeting, alleging possible collusion between KRRS and officials to proceed with the trial blasts. The meeting continued until 1 pm and the CSIR-CIMFR team will return without any inspection. https://starofmysore.com/proposed-trial-blasts-at-krs-dam-scientist-team-from-jharkhand-to-return-without-inspection/ (5 Mar 2024)
Kerala Mullaperiyar Dam Forum plans to resume agitation for a new dam CM Vijayan tried to calm the nerves by asserting that there need not be any worries regarding the dam’s safety. However, Mr. Vijayan’s intervention has apparently not pacified the Mullaperiyar Samara Samiti, which is all set to restart the agitation it had launched at Karimkulam Chappathu in 2006 for a new dam. The protest continued for 3,000 days. “Extreme weather events such as cloudbursts and incessant rain, which the State has experienced over the past few years, are worrying people. The Wayanad tragedy has added to the fears of thousands living downstream. The Samiti plans to resume the agitation against this background,” said Fr. Joy Nirappel, its chairperson. Recently, Tamil Nadu had objected to the Kerala govt’s move to approach the EAC for a new ToR for conducting an EIA for a new dam at Mullaperiyar. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/forum-plans-to-resume-agitation-for-a-new-dam-at-mullaperiyar/article68512380.ece (11 Aug. 2024)
Opposition demand construction of new dam Kerala’s Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan has said a policy of “water for Tamil Nadu and security for Kerala” should guide the construction of a new dam at Mullaperiyar. Mr. Satheesan’s comment on Aug 13, 2024 comes against the backdrop of mounting public concern in Kerala about the safety of the 129-year-old masonry gravity dam. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-opposition-leader-says-water-for-tamil-nadu-and-security-for-kerala-policy-should-guide-construction-of-new-dam-at-mullaperiyar/article68519580.ece (13 Aug. 2024)
TN farmers oppose new dam Several farmers staged a protest near Pennycuick Memorial at Lower Camp in Theni district on Sep 22 against the Kerala govt’s move to build a new dam in place of the existing Mullaiperiyar dam, serving southern districts including Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram. Balasingam, the coordinator of the Sangam, who led the protest, said if the Kerala govt tries to demolish Mullaiperiyar dam, the farmers would turn into suicide squads. https://www.dtnext.in/news/tamilnadu/theni-farmers-seek-protection-for-mullaiperiyar-dam-804750 (22 Dec. 2024)
Kerala Mattupetty dam Greens raise concerns over seaplane project Even as the govt is proceeding with the trial run of a seaplane from Kochi to the Mattupetty dam in Munnar on Nov 11, greens have raised concerns over the project. They say the Mattupetty dam is a pristine habitat of wild elephants, and the seaplane service will disturb wildlife in the Munnar landscape. Environmentalist M.J. Jayachandran filed a petition with the Chief Wildlife Warden demanding immediate cessation of the project in the Mattupetty dam. He said the proposed project violated the Supreme Court’s directive safeguarding national parks and eco-sensitive zones and proceeding with it may attract contempt of court and criminal proceedings. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/greens-raise-concerns-over-seaplane-project-at-mattupetty-dam/article68849662.ece (10 Nov. 2024)
Mumbai Morbe dam protest turns violent Around 3000 Project Affected People (PAP) of Morbe Dam have been protesting against the government at the Morbe Dam demanding jobs for the villagers and proper compensation to them. In the course of the protest, the villagers have broken the dam gates and entered the dam premises and also closed the valves of water to Navi Mumbai. The protest had started on June 27, and since none of the officials took note of the strike, the villagers became violent on Thursday (July 04).
The Dam, situated in Khalapur Taluka in Raigad District, supplies water to Navi Mumbai and some nodes of CIDCO and is owned by NMMC. According to the corporation, the Maharashtra Jal Pradhikaran (MJP) had started the work on dam in the year 1990 and due to lack of funds, they had put the dam on sale for nearby corporations. NMMC decided to acquire the dam and the last payment was made in the year 2010. The corporation said that the agreement was between them and MJP and no promise of jobs were made to the villagers.
“We have been silently protesting for our demands but none of the officers took cognizance. On July 3, we finally decided that we would close the valves of the water supply to Navi Mumbai and on July 4, we did the same,” Jagannath Patil, one of the PAPs said. “In the year 1990, the land of the villagers was acquired. We never got the right compensation or jobs. None of the Acts that are usually applied in land acquiring process has been implemented in this case”, Arjun Kadam, another PAP said. https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/navi-mumbai-morbe-dam-protest-turns-violent-as-villagers-shut-water-valves-demand-jobs-and-compensation (04 July 2024)
Compiled by Bhim Singh Rawat (bhim.sandrp@gmail.com)
SANDRP 