Medha questions working style of Shanglu committee

Bhopal, June 14: Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) leader Medha Patkar today questioned the working style of the Shanglu Committee, constituted to look into the Sardar Sarovar project, and the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO).

Ms Patkar told reporters here that the committee and the NSSO -- that carried out a survey by staying in the affected area for three weeks-- did not use proper research methodology.

She alleged that the survey lacked transparency and accountability.

According to Ms Patkar, it appeared that the Committee was working to justify the government's displacement and rehabilitation policies.

She said the NBA could expose the Shanglu Committee as part of its 'Pol khol Abhiyan'. All organisations concerned with the Sardar Sarovar project would meet on June 18 to chalk out further strategies.

Ms Patkar said the Committee was expected to submit its report by June 20. The next hearing in the Supreme Court will be based on the report.

She said despite all this the work on raising the height of the dam was continuing and demanded that the work be stopped until rehabilitation was not complete.

UNI