MPHC tells govt not to use force against dam oustees

Jabalpur, June 22 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh High Court today directed the state government and Narmada Hydroelectric Development Corporation to provide full compensation and rehabilitate oustees of Khandwa district's Omkareshwar dam project and not sever power connections, water supply or demolish residences of 30 families in Gunjari village that was in the submergence area.

Chief Justice Anang Kumar Patnaik and Justice Ajit Singh heard a Narmada Bachao Andolan plea challenging a government notice for abandoning 22 villages as the reservoir filled to capacity.

''The regime had declared July 3 as the date when full-tank level would be attained but that happened on June 14 and a large number of the village residents were marooned. The oustees were not fully compensated, alternate plots not allotted and no proper system for rehabilitation put in place,'' the petition alleged.

Advocate-General Ravinandan Singh submitted that an understanding was reached between Gunjari's residents and the district administration. ''The administration has decided to dole out an additional Rs 35,000 to every affected family,'' he added. The oustees were represented by Ms Chittaroopa Palit.

UNI