Frustrated by years of unmet promises, two individuals affected by the Sardar Sarovar Project climbed a mobile tower in Gujarat’s Narmada district on Friday to protest their unfulfilled demands. The duo, identified as Dinesh Pasiyabhai Tadvi from Chichdia village and Babita Bachumbhai Tadvi from Nawagam Limdi Chichdia village, took this extreme step to highlight the grievances of dam-affected families.
The protest stems from long-standing issues related to land acquisition and employment guarantees, dating back to the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam. Despite assurances from government officials in 2016-17, their demands remain unaddressed, prompting the dramatic demonstration.
A Decade of Broken Promises
In 2016-17, affected families staged a symbolic hunger strike, demanding alternate land allotments and guaranteed jobs for one family member. At the time, then-ministers Bhupendrasinh Chudasama and Bharat Pandya assured protesters their demands would be fulfilled. However, eight years later, no concrete action has been taken.
Protesters claim the government promised employment to one member of each affected family and land compensation aligned with acquisition rules. However, discrepancies in policies between Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh have led to inequitable treatment.
"Families in Madhya Pradesh receive land for individuals as young as 30-40 years old, while in Gujarat, even 50-55-year-olds have not received their due land," said a written note left by the protesters.
Immediate Action by Authorities
The situation caused a rush in the district administration and police, who are working to bring the protesters down safely. Fire department teams are also present, attempting to persuade the duo to descend peacefully.
As of now, the administration is under pressure to address the concerns of the protestors while ensuring their safety. The protest has reignited attention toward the broader grievances of families displaced by the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
Protesters’ Key Demands
The protestors have highlighted multiple issues:
Jobs for Affected Families: Families were promised employment for one member, which remains unfulfilled despite the construction and operation of the dam.
Equitable Land Compensation: Discrepancies in compensation policies between states have left Gujarat families at a disadvantage.
Acquisition of Submerged Lands: Protesters demand that lands and homes submerged due to the dam’s construction be acquired and compensated.
Improved Living Conditions: The surrounding areas, now submerged or inaccessible, require better infrastructure to support affected families.
"Our lands and homes have been submerged, and roads to access them have been closed. We demand the benefits and compensation we were promised," the protestors stated.
The construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam has significantly impacted families across Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. While it has brought water and electricity to millions, it has also displaced thousands of families, many of whom claim inadequate or delayed compensation.
The incident has drawn attention to gaps in the implementation of land acquisition and rehabilitation policies.The administration’s immediate priority is to safely bring down the protestors and begin a dialogue. However, the larger challenge lies in addressing systemic issues and fulfilling the long-pending demands of affected families.
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