People will resort to ‘jal satyagraha,’ warns NBA
Shree Maheshwar Hydel Power Corporation Ltd (SMHPCL), promoters of the Maheshwar dam project, have objected to the Narmada Bachao Andolan’s (NBA) claim that massive submergence would take place in the Narmada valley if the dam is filled up to154 metres.
Plea to media
In a communication to The Hindu on Monday, the SMHPCL accused the NBA of spreading “falsehood” and urged the media to “not give credence” to the NBA.
“The SMHPCL project strongly refutes the false and misleading claims made by the NBA,” the company said.
At a press conference here on Sunday, the NBA opposed the move of the Madhya Pradesh government and the SMHPCL seeking permission from the Ministry of Environment and Forests to fill the dam up to154 metres, claiming that it would cause the deaths of thousands of project-affected people.
The NBA warned that people would be forced to resort to a “jal satyagraha” and face submergence but would not give up their land.
According to SMHPCL, only 22 villages would be affected — 13 villages fully and 9 villages partially — once the reservoir is filled up to162.76 metres.
“Less than 15 p.c. rehabilitated”
The NBA, however, claims that 61 villages fell under the submergence zone and less than 15 per cent of the project-affected people have been rehabilitated.
The NBA has accused State government authorities, including the Khargone District Collector of providing “false certificates” to the SMHPCL.