CM assures to redress problems of Narmada oustees

Bhopal, Jul 11 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today assured the activists of Narmada Bachao Andolan that the rehabilitation policy framed for those displaced due to the projects on the Narmada river will be implemented strictly and the court directives would be followed to ensure the rights of all affected.

Mr Chouhan held out the assurance to a delegation, led by NBA activists Chitrarupa Palit and Alok Agrawal. He also promised that the government would review the situation.

Prior to the meeting with the Chief Minister, the delegation also had an appointment with Governor Balram Jakhar and apprised him of the situation in the Narmada Valley. Mr Jakhar also assured to write to the CM to look into their problems.

Later, talking to reporters, Ms Palit and Mr Agrawal said the displaced people were in a pathetic condition due to non-implementation of the special rehabilitation package.

They alleged that Narmada Valley Development Minister Nagendra Singh had no positive approach to the problems of the displaced people and a complaint in this regard was lodged with the Governor also.

Several hundred people affected by Sardar Sarovar, Maheshwar, Maan, Indira Sagar, Omkareshwar, Upper Veda and Bargi projects took part in the two-day dharna which concluded here today.

The activists also threatened to launch 'Satyagraha' in all affected project areas from July 30, if their demands were not fulfilled.

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