I have read the Algebra of infinite justise by Ms. Roy and shocked by the crime perpetuated by Goverment of India towards Adivasi people. I think narmada river is not only a means of survival to them but it is related to their identity which has to preserved at every cost.Why should they immolate themselves at the alter of "progress" which is flawed and not at all related to them.
I really appreciate your concern for your relatives who live in the areas where there's scarce water supply. How selfless and thoughtful of you when the people in question are your very own relatives. But i doubt you would've had the same opinion had your relatives been one of the millions of people who would be left homeless and be deprived of their very means of livelihood.
I and the whole of India would've truly appreciated your concern had you put forth an alternative which would'v solved the water and energy problems by building the dams as well as the problem of the millions affected. You cant just ignore the lives of millions for a million others who could be your relatives. Would you be ready to leave your home and job and everything you have without being given any compensation or without any rehabilitation, so that you can quench the thirst of a few others?
The social activists never were and are still not against the building of the dams and the problem of the millions of ppl of Gujarat, Rajasthan Maharashtra etc etc being solved. All that they ask for is rehabilitate the ppl who will be affected and this can never be proved wrong. ACCEPT IT!
RE:NBA
by Amit Sengupta on Apr 15, 2006 11:36 AM Permalink
Hi Ravi and all you like minded people.
I have family relation in the souther part of rajasthan and have extensively visited Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, the acute shortage of water and electricity in those areas can only be removed by a dam or like sardar sarovar or power projects like indirasagar and omkareshwar (built on narmada upstream in MP).
Any other alternative like water harvesting can not prove to be sufficient in arid area like these to fulfill such a large scale demand of water.
These very activist would also take to roads if they dont get electricity or water. The most non-poluting way or producing water in hydro. but we have all the senseless agitation going on against the dam.
having said that yes compensation is an issue, andmust be addressed to ensure that these so called activist dont get a chance to pounce upon the issue to garner publicity.
RE:NBA
by prem on Apr 17, 2006 11:32 AM Permalink
Mr. Amit Sengupta,
I don't know how to react to your ignorance or rather arrogance to overlook the lives of poor tribals.
How dare you call this is mindless protests? I agree water is very important for drought-prone area but not by sacrificing lakhs of lives. Least they are asking for is rehab for all and everyone can wait untill rehab is done. If the rehab is not done now, it will never be done.
Your argument of killing some to give live for other is perfectly mindless.
