MP govt toiling to rehabilitate dam-affected families

Bhopal, Apr 6 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh government is attempting to ''sensitively and seriously'' rehabilitate families affected by the Sardar Sarovar Dam's height being raised to 121.92 m from 110.64 m, a government spokesperson said.

''The government's action is justifiable and legally approved.

Allegations levelled by some organisations are baseless. About 90 per cent rehabilitation work is complete and an attempt is underway to finish the remaining work by monsoon,'' the spokesperson told UNI.

Chief-engineer level officials were camping at the site. A total of 24,421 families were being affected. Of them 14,123 families were rehabilitated as per directives of the Narmada Water Dispute Tribunal Award and the Supreme Court.

Official sources said 5,456 families were rehabilitated in Gujarat as they desired.

Land plots were provided to 4,286 families but 3,879 declined them as the location was unsuitable.

In rural rehabilitation locations, the plots allotted were 60 by 90 feet while the urban size was 60 by 40 feet.

UNI SD-AC TM BD2147