Narmada activists demand CBI probe into rehabilitation 'scam'

Bhopal, Aug 10: Alleging a scam of Rs 1,500 crore in the Sardar Sarovar rehabilitation project, activists of the Narmada Bachao Aandolan in Madhya Pradesh have demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the issue.

The activists claimed that as per the report of the S.S. Jha commission, constituted to look into alleged irregularities in the rehabilitation project, those affected did not receive the cash compensation but the middlemen, in collusion with the officers, pocketed the money.

In a press conference, several persons associated with the Narmada Bachao Aandolan, including former Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary Sharad Chandra Behar, said the Jha commission report proved that there were irregularities in four districts -- Barwani, Dhar, Alirajpur and Khargone -- where around 45,000 families have been affected.

The activists said: "It was decided that those affected by the Sardar Sarovar project will be given land in exchange of land. That happened in Maharashtra and Gujarat but in Madhya Pradesh, it was decided that cash in lieu of submerged land would be provided."

"The farmers who lost more than 25 per cent of their land were to be given Rs 5.58-6.60 lakh," the activists said.

The activists also demanded suspension of the officials named in the Jha commission report.

IANS