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Sardar Sarovar: The debate continues
Apropos “There’s hope after a dead end” by Medha Patkar (Reflections, November 5). There is nothing to be alarmed about the displacement of tribals due to construction of Sardar Sarovar dam. The oustees of Tehri dam in Garhwal have been rehabilitated
successfully and there is no problem.
Displacement of people due to undertaking of various developmental projects like dams, industries, mines, quarrying etc. by the Governments of different countries world over,has been an ongoing process since time immemorial. It is strange that despite
enormous developmental potential of Sardar Sarovar Project, Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) leader Medha Patkar intends to turn the clock back in time by opposing the project tooth and nail.There is a danger of more poverty looming ahead for tribals as a
result of their lagging behind others in the race for progress and development.
Hemant Kumar Pandey, New Delhi
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Medha Patkar’s statement, ‘The gains of the Movement should not be lost’, is not a convincing one as one wonders about the “gains.” In my views, it lead to the economic loss and hampered the progress of the states. The movement succeeded only in delaying
the project. It seems Medhaji is unaware of the water problems faced by people of Saurashtra.
Kewal Shah, Meerut
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