The Sardar Sarovar Dam, the mega hydroelectric and irrigation project on the Narmada River in India, has been a subject of extensive controversy, sparking a prolonged and multifaceted struggle spanning decades. This struggle, led by Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA - Save Narmada Movement), encompasses a complex narrative of displacement, environmental concerns, and challenges to the very notion of development.
The connection between people and the Narmada River runs deep, encompassing cultural, spiritual, and economic dimensions. Revered as a lifeline, the river holds profound cultural significance, playing a central role in rituals and traditions. Spiritually, it is often considered sacred, shaping the ethos of the communities along its banks. For example, the Narmada Parikrama, a pilgrimage circumambulating the river, embodies spiritual devotion and environmental consciousness, fostering a deep-seated connection between people and the river as a sacred lifeline. Beyond the cultural tapestry, the Narmada contributes significantly to the economic sustenance of the region, supporting agriculture and livelihoods. This intricate interdependence reflects a holistic relationship, where the Narmada is not merely a geographical feature but an integral part of the identity, heritage, and daily life of the communities it embraces.
The idea for the Sardar Sarovar Dam dates back to the mid-20th century when the Narmada Valley Development Plan was conceived to harness the river’s potential for irrigation, power generation, and flood control. The dam’s construction began in the 1980s, and by the early 1990s, it was met with vocal opposition from local communities, environmentalists, and human rights activists due to its high social and environmental negative impacts.
The struggle against the Sardar Sarovar Dam has witnessed both victories and setbacks. In the 1990s, protests gained momentum, and emerged as a prominent force. Legal battles and grassroots mobilization resulted in several court-ordered reviews and temporary halts to construction, highlighting the flaws in rehabilitation and environmental impact assessments.
Despite these interventions, the project continued, leading to the displacement of thousands of families from their homes and farmlands. The World Bank, a major funder, withdrew in 1993 due to concerns about inadequate rehabilitation, marking a symbolic victory for the protesters. However, the Indian government proceeded with funding from domestic sources.
As of the present, the Sardar Sarovar Dam stands as a colossal structure, generating electricity and supplying water for irrigation, albeit much below its potential and promises. Its reservoir spans across states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra upto 214 kms in length and 2 kms in breadth. As feared by its critics, a substantial part of the project benefits is serving the industries and needs of urban cities, and not to ones the authorities promised, which are the parched areas of Gujarat.
The issue of rehabilitation remains contentious. Many displaced families have struggled to rebuild their lives, facing challenges related to land ownership, livelihoods, and social cohesion. Environmental concerns persist, with the dam’s impact on downstream ecosystems and water availability for local communities raising questions about the sustainability of the project.
The nearly 4-decade old struggle has been a great success in bringing the plight of victims of mega development projects to the fore, questioning the present paradigm of development, holding the investors accountable and in forcing institutions like World Bank and the government to bring in progressive policies to safeguard the rights of the people. The struggle also made sure that a good number of affected people received rehabilitation, something the government would not have done otherwise, like in many other projects in the past.
The struggle against the Sardar Sarovar Dam continues, with activists advocating for the rights of displaced communities, emphasizing sustainable alternatives, and challenging the paradigm of large-scale dams as a solution to development challenges. The NBA and its allies remain committed to holding authorities accountable for the promises made regarding rehabilitation and environmental protection.
The Sardar Sarovar Dam represents more than just a hydraulic structure; it encapsulates a deeply entrenched conflict between development aspirations and the rights of marginalized communities. The ongoing struggle serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in balancing infrastructure development with social and environmental justice.
