In a far-reaching decision, the Narmada Control Authority on Thursday gave its nod to Gujarat for raising the height of Narmada dam to the full reservoir level of 138.72 metres from the present 121.92 metres. The gates will be installed in an “open position” for now, sources told The Hindu .
The NCA, chaired by Water Resources Secretary Alok Rawat, took the decision at an “emergency meeting” of the Ministries concerned and the States of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. “After talking to all parties concerned, it has been decided to allow the height of the Narmada dam to be raised,” Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti said. “All displaced families will be fully rehabilitated,” she said. The decision was questioned by activists who are concerned about the displacement of people in the region. Narmada Bachaon Andolan leader Medha Patkar castigated the decision as “political.” “With over two lakh displaced people waiting to be rehabilitated even at the present height of the dam, it is a violation of every principle of inclusive development,” she said.
