anupamathiagarajan-blog

[anupamathiagarajan-blog]

Promise of a FUTURE, yet the begin of  ANNIHILATION

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/40-000-people-will-be-displaced-due-to-sardar-sarovar-dam-say-critics-1751427

https://www.mapsofindia.com/my-india/india/sardar-sarovar-dam-facts-protests-and-controversies

The second largest concrete dam in the world was opened, marred by protests. Protests by activists, loss of livelihood, thousands displaces and stranded - this infrastructural project was plagued since the very beginning. The project was envisioned as an infrastructural marvel aimed at reducing the scarcity of drinking water in otherwise drought prone states, failed to address the issue of displaced farmers and natives. They deemed it as a price they had to pay to benefit the state. Seemingly promising the displaced - money and rehabilitation, the government accounted for only 18,000 while in reality the count was as high as 40,000. 

Government - Will solve water scarcity in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, will provide 1450 MW of power, irrigation of adjoining farmlands

Activists - 40,000 families will get displaced, 37,500 hectares of land will be submerged

Present Scenario - Dam has been opened but the government has paid a deaf ear to the families they relocated. When they do not even have a roof above their heads, why should they pay the price for technological advancement? When the government is capable of such an infrastructure project on this large a scale, they have to be accountable for the people they displaced. A project of this magntiude is bound to have its advantages weighing over its disadvantages. Is the sheer magnitude of the advancement an excuse?