Patkar calls off Jal Satyagrah for Narmada families

BHOPAL: Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) leader Medha Patkar and 36 Sardar Sarovar Dam affected people ended their Jal Satyagrah on Sunday, within hours of Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicating the dam in Gujarat to the nation.

Patkar and her supporters, who started the protest at Chhota Barda Ghat on Friday evening, ended the satyagrah at about 6pm on Sunday but said they would continue their agitation for proper rehabilitation.

“We wish to convey that our struggle will continue. Prime Minister may want to close the chapter, but it is not, since the people of Narmada Valley have not received their full entitlement and not all is lost,” said an NBA release to the media.

The organisation said, “The drama of dedication of Sardar Sarovar Project to the nation on Prime Minister’s birthday was a complete failure. This was evident by the fact that except for Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, no other BJP ruled state’s CM turned up unlike the announcement. About 2,000 priests from Varanasi didn’t turn up either to perform aarti despite the announcement. We believe this is a victory of our struggle.”

Activists also took to social media to express their anguish. Activist Sachin Kumar Jain tweeted, “Life of about 40000 families of Madhya Pradesh is being annihilated in the name of development.” One Bhupesh Patidar tweeted, “Birthday of one man caused life in risk for 40000 families.”

State Congress president Arun Yadav also attacked the Prime Minister on the issue.