Date:29/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/03/29/stories/2006032905731200.htm

National

V.P. Singh backs NBA agitation

Staff Reporter

The former Prime Minister visits dharna site

NEW DELHI: On the 12th day of the agitation of the Narmada Bachao Andolan against the decision of the Narmada Control Authority to raise the height of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, former Prime Minister V.P. Singh visited the dharna site at Jantar Mantar here and demanded proper rehabilitation of those already displaced as also those who would be affected by the decision.

Seeks Manmohan's intervention

Expressing solidarity with the agitators, Mr. Singh said he had written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh seeking his intervention to ensure that the displaced persons were rehabilitated properly.

The NBA activists, led by Medha Patkar, have opposed the decision of the Authority to raise the height, as it would lead to displacement of another 35,000 people, mostly tribals, from the Narmada Valley.

Their demand is that the Government first identify land for their resettlement and rehabilitate them properly.

Stating that the ongoing construction at the dam would submerge a large number of homes, schools, temples and mosques and destroy livelihoods, the Narmada Bachao Andolan warned that it would step up its agitation if the dam height is raised.