The Hindu : Front Page : Irrigation Minister promises fair deal to tribals facing displacement

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Dec 05, 2005

Front Page

Front Page

Irrigation Minister promises fair deal to tribals facing displacement

Special Correspondent

Polavaram project works can wait till final nod comes, says Medha Patkar

ON A MISSION: Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Medha Patkar with Irrigation Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah in Hyderabad on Sunday. — Photo: Mohd Yousuf

HYDERABAD: Major Irrigation Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah has promised the best resettlement and rehabilitation package for affected tribals under the Polavaram irrigation project.

"Any decision on rehabilitation and compensation will be taken only after the consent of displaced people, particularly tribals," Mr. Lakshmaiah told reporters after a lengthy three-hour-long meeting with Narmada Bachao Andolan chief organiser Medha Patkar at the Secretariat here on Sunday. "There will be no harassment of villagers by the police," he added.

First meeting

It was the first meeting between the Minister and the social activist and representatives of the Solidarity Committee for Anti-Polavaram Agitation and both sides expressing their views on the project. Ms. Patkar was here on the Minister's invitation.

Responding to a question from activists, Irrigation Secretary Satish Chandra said the Central Water Commission had given clearance in principle and the final nod was awaited.

Ms. Patkar said without getting all clearances it was not ideal to go ahead with the project and referred to ongoing canal works.

She also quizzed the Minister about the funding pattern, R&R package and alleged harassment of villagers by the police.

She insisted that revenue teams should extensively tour villages and interact with people before finalising the compensation package. Statistics on the number of families to be displaced was not in tune with those gathered by people's organisations.

Fear over villages

Expressing serious concern at the large-scale displacement of villagers, Ms. Patkar wanted the project design to ensure that fewer villages got submerged. The Government should respect decisions taken at gram sabhas and implement the same. She also voiced concern over heavy police presence in villages.

She pointed out that the information made available during the public hearing was different from what was given today.

Mr. Lakshmaiah provided two volumes of the environment impact assessment to the delegation.

He asked her to come back for second round of dialogue and promised to accept the suggestions.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Ms. Patkar said she was satisfied with the first meeting.

Solidarity committee convenor S. Jeevan Kumar, Telangana Aikya Vedika leader Keshav Rao Jadhav, tribal rights activist P. Trinadha Rao and Samata convener Ravi Rebbapragada were present.

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