MP HC directs to keep water level below 189 m in Omkareshwar dam

Jabalpur, Aug 17 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh High Court today directed the government to keep water level at Omkareshwar dam on Narmada river in Khandwa district below 189 metre.

Hearing a petition by the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), a division bench comprising Chief Justice A K Patnaik and Justice Ajit Singh gave the direction to the government and the National Hydro-Electric Corporation (NHDC).

Arguing for the case herself, petitioner NBA leader Medha Patkar told the court that neither rehabilitation of the displaced had been carried out nor compensation or land in lieu of land distributed to those coming under submergence zone.

Raising the water level above 189 metre would bring about 91 villages besides property and house of about 1,000 families under submergence zone.

Besides Ms Patkar, her counsel N S Kale argued on her behalf, while state Advocate General Ravinandan Singh argued on the government's behalf.

Hearing a letter petition yesterday regarding agitation by displaced in Barwani and their arrest by police, the Bench had viewed videotapes presented by both sides.

UNI