Narmada valley project: A disaster or an imparative for gujarat

Abstract

We consider it a privelege to join issues with Baba Amte on Narmada project. He has argued (Indian Express July 9, 1989) that Narmada Project requires a complete reconsideration because its costs in terms of human suffering, ecological damage and financial burden are just too high for Gujarat. According to him the benefit cost ratio of the project is less than the planning commission stipulation of 1.5: 1 and therefore, it is not worth pursuing. He feels that there has not been enough open and well improved debate on the issues. Planning commission and Govt. of Gujarat are hiding facts and according to one of the signatories to the memorandum submitted to the prime minister. Data is being manipulated (Times of India Dec. 15 1988). Baba Amte has also said that rehabilitation policy formulated for sardar project is impossible to implement in view of a large member of ousters to be rehabilitated as per the norms of the rehabilitation policy.