NSSO likely to assist Narmada Oversight group

New Delhi, May 8: The National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) may be asked by the Centre to verify the claims made by the state governments on the rehabilitation and resettlement of oustees under Sardar Sarovar project after the decision to raise the height of the dam.

The NSSO, under the Ministry of Programme Implementation, is likely to be given one month's time from May 17 to submit its report to former Comptroller and Auditor General V K Shunglu, head of the oversight group appointed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, to verify the claims and counter claims by the state governments and the Narmada Bachao Andolan which is opposing the raising of the dam height from 110 metres to 121 metres, plus three metres of humps, from this monsoon season.

The oversight group would also gather information on the total number of families affected by submergence and the families which are yet to receive relief and rehabilitation package as per norms.

The NSSO report would help this monitoring group to submit their report to the Government in June.

The Committee was asked to recommend a system to ensure that all families who would be affected by submergence with the increase in the height of the dam to 121.92 metres receive relief within three months and also see if there were instances of voluntary refusal to accept relief and rehabilitation offered.

UNI