DAM[N]ED: Mechanizing a sacred river landscape. Redrawing Territorial Systems in the Narmada River by Maria Arquero de Alarcon

DAM[N]ED

Mechanizing a sacred river landscape

Redrawing Territorial Systems in the Narmada River Valley 1

Thanks to Alan and Cynthia Berkshire for their generous sponsorship of the 2017-2018 Research Through Planning grant. Research Through Planning is a faculty research grant program at the University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. Built on the success of other college programs including Research Through Making and Research on the City, Research Through Planning provides seed funding to advance scholarship toward significant urban research projects. Authors: Maria Arquero de Alarcon, Associate Professor and Director, Master of Urban Design Dhara Mittal, MLA’17 Nishant Mittal, MUD’16 Research Collaborator:

Olaia Chivite Amigo, MArch’18 DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

DAM[N]ED

Mechanizing a sacred river landscape

Redrawing Territorial Systems in the Narmada River Valley 3

Table of Contents

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

DAM[N]ED

Narmada Field Inventory

Natural Systems

Sacred Rituals

Urban Traces

Mechanizing the River

Omkareshwar

Redrawing Territorial Systems in the Narmada River Valley

Waterscapes: the river and its tributaries Protected Areas The Parikrama and the Sacred Places Pilgrimage Route The Typologies of the sacred Boundaries: State and Watershed Divisions Cities: urbanization patterns Interstate Plans Dams and Canals Bridges Landscape Impacts Sardar Sarovar Project Resettlement and Rehabilitation Sacred Grounds Omkareshvara-Mandhata Myth Omkareshwar Temples Om Parvat, The Sangam, Gau Ghat Mechanized River Waters Omkareshwar Infrastructures Sacred Routes Places to be submerged in the Omkareshwar Reservoir The Struggle Continues in the Valley Table of Contents

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

DAM[N]ED â&#x20AC;&#x153;DAM[N]ED: Mechanizing a sacred river landscapeâ&#x20AC;? takes the form of a visual narrative depicting the story of the Narmada River Valley and its transformation from a sacred river to one of the largest mechanized landscapes in the world. The Narmada travels some 1,300 kilometers from Amarkantak to the Arabian Sea shaping the livelihoods of its watershed dwellers and nurturing the cultural identities of millions worshiping her holy waters. The Narmada Valley Development Project (NVDP) was first formulated as a megaregional project in the late 1940s to bring prosperity and modernize the watershed. Re-envisioned in the 1960s, and under implementation since the 1980s, the Project is incrementally transforming the river into an interstate infrastructural network of water conveyance and energy generation. Opening a small window into the breathtaking Narmada waterscapes, this research unfolds the social, economic and political structures that have licensed the current state of uncertainty in the future of the river valley. Through a cartographic and photographic inventory, the project redraws the territorial systems shaping the transformation of the natural and cultural systems associated with the river over time and its progressive mechanization. Introduction

Upper Narmada Dam

Rosara Dam

Raghavpur Dam

Bargi Dam

Sher Dam

Chinki Dam

Dudhi Dam

Tawa Dam

Barna Dam

Kolar Dam

Indra Sagar Dam

Omkareshwar Dam

Maheshwar Dam

Mann Dam

Lower Goi Dam

Jabot Dam

Sadar Sarovar Dam

Narmada Canal

MADHA PRADESH

Canal Commond Area

GUJARAT

MAHARASHTRA ARABIAN SEA

Narmada River Watershed

Completed Narmada Canal

Big Dams in the Narmada Valley

Under Construction Canal

River and Catchment

No Construction yet 200 Km

Diagram of the Narmada River Watershed and the major dams and canals built in its course through the states of Madha Pradesh, Maharastra and Guyarat.

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Redrawing Territorial Systems in the Narmada River Valley Part a thematic atlas and part a travelogue, this project traces a visual narrative of the contemporary landscapes of the Narmada River and the histories and stories around its mythical waters. Running across the Indian states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat, the Narmada River is the fifth longest river in South Asia and the longest west flowing Indian River. In its 1,300-kilometer course from Amarkantak, in the Maikala Range, toward the Arabian Sea, the Narmada River embodies a rich cultural imaginary, enables the livelihood of millions and drives the formation of distinct regional identities. Considered a sacred river in the Indian mythological imaginary, the Narmada River waters welcome millions as part of the Parikrama, the 2,600-kilometer holy pilgrimage circumambulating the River. A dense network of temples and kunds, ashrams, ghats, and the river herself, mark the rich mythological landscapes and house a multitude of celebrations and rituals.

The topographic diversity of the watershed and the boundless productive landscapes it transverses captured the imagination of the national government in the late 1940s, when the infrastructural potential of the Narmada River was first consider as a driver of modernization for the country. The Narmada Valley Development Project (NVDP) was first conceptualized in the 1960s and incrementally implemented since the 1980s to harness the untapped hydrological resources of the River. Comprising of a network of infrastructural interventions that include 30 large dams, 135 medium dams and 3,000 small dams, the sacred waters of the river are transforming into an interstate infrastructural network of water conveyance and energy generation. Over time, this massive governmental project has become a widely questioned plan sparkling heated debates about the need of more environmental protection measures to seize the impact of development contemporary India. (Amte 1990; Roy 1999)

Introduction

Protest facing submergence of village and agricultural fields for the Sardar Sarovar Dam, Domkhedi, Maharashtra. Medha Patkar and the Narmada Bachao Andolan activists engaged in paceful civil protest. Image credits Harikrishna Deepa Jani DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

To make room for the ever-expanding dams, reservoirs, and electric power transmission lines, the government has displaced tens of thousands of families without always just compensation. Yet the public benefits of the project seem unquestionable. The proposed interventions are to provide potable water to almost 40 million people, farmland irrigation for over six million hectares of land, water for current and future industrial uses, and hydroelectric power for the entire region. A dense web of canals ensures that water will reach very distant places: only the main branch of the 532 km-long Narmada Canal brings water to arid lands of north Gujarat and Rajasthan. (Amte 1990; Ruitenbeek and Cartier 1995; Roy 1999) The largest amongst these project components is the Sardar Sarovar Project, promoted as the lifeline of the state of Gujarat. The official narrative claims the intervention will bring additional irrigation capacity for the agricultural land in Gujarat and Rajasthan, provide drinking water to thousands of villages and cities in Gujarat and Rajasthan, and generate hydro power of

1,450 megawatts for the region.(Amte 1990; Fisher 1995; Roy 1999; Ruitenbeek and Cartier 1995) In 1985, the World Bank agreed to financially support the Sardar Sarovar project but in an unprecedented decision withdrew its support in 1994 responding to pressure and protest from a number of agencies worldwide. (Fisher 1995) However, despite this hindrance, the project moved forward as part of the national agenda for modernization. Over 250,000 people displaced by the Sardar Sarovar Project were yet to be resettled in 2015, and after governmental approval for raising the height of the dam in 2014, another 245 villages in the valley are targeted to be submerged. (‘“Project-hit protest rise in Sardar Sarovar dam height”.’ 2015) The Sardar Sarovar Project involves a myriad of components and actors that operate at different spatial and temporal scales. Projected to be completed by 2021, this infrastructural component is just one of the many projects tied to the NVDP and has been highly contested by environmentalists, academics, activists, local

Introduction

Yamuna Yamuna Ganges Ganges

NARMADA NARMADA

Godavari Godavari Krishna Krishna

600 miles

Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Interlinking project, a national government project planning to connect the main rivers through a dense network of canls DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

agencies and residents. Among them, the Narmada Bachao Andolan, a coalition of local people’s movements in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat, has fought for the rights of the native people along the river over the last 30 years. The coalition has brought to attention the innumerable environmental and social justice issues of displacement associated with the NVDP, and it continues to bring to light the impacts of centralized water management decisions on the most vulnerable local populations. (Team 2015; Fisher 1995; Roy 1999) In a landmark ruling last March 20, 2017, India’s courts conferred two of her sacred rivers, the Ganges and the Yamuna Rivers, the status of “living entities.” The ruling has global significance in a time of rising environmental concerns: giving these rivers human legal rights signifies a change in the course of ever-increasing environmental pollution and landscape degradation as justifiable byproducts of progress. Nationally, this ruling opens a window of hope to address the protection of other river landscapes subject to pressures of development and pollution. For those in the Narmada

River Watershed who have long battled for the protection of the landscape from the pressures of development, this ruling offers an opportunity to address decades of environmental injustice. The ruling also comes at a critical juncture as the National Government is invested in advancing other inter-basin water transfer public works, the so-called “Interlinking Project,” that predict to displace millions of people and impact larger ecological river systems despite national and international opposition. Given the circumstances, learning from the NVDP and its evolution can steward more just and sustainable practices of development, bringing prosperity to humans and the environment alike. To illustrate the complex story of the Narmada River, this project takes the shape of a visual narrative and unfolds the cultural, socioeconomic and political structures that have licensed the current state of uncertainty and civic unrest in the river watershed. The journey starts with the accounts of the field trip to the Narmada River Valley last November 2017, and continues with a series

Introduction

The Narmada River at Omkareshwar, one of the sites where the conflicting narratives of local resistance, the stories of those worshiping the vanishing waters, and the official narratives of modernization and nation building come together. DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

of thematic cartographies to situate the constructed landscapes of the Narmada River Watershed. Profusely illustrated through the photographic inventory compiled during the site visit, this thematic atlas curates the contrasting narratives of modernization, through the deployment of massive public works, and those of physical and spiritual belonging, through the choreography of the bodies that inhabit and worship the Narmada waters and its intangible landscapes.

sites in its making. By bringing together the conflicting nature of the water, energy human and spiritual landscapes, this visual narrative calls for a more just patterns of hinterlands urbanization.

The journey pauses in Omkareshwar, a site that embodies the confluence of these disparate conceptions of the world. As an important destination in the Narmada Parikrama, pilgrims visit the many temples that punctuate the hilly topography of the city and come in contact with the Narmada waters in the ghats resting along the river shorelands and the Sangam, the sacred River confluence. As pilgrims engage in their bathing rituals with decreasing water levels, the daunting presence of the Omkareshwar Dam hides behind a large reservoir that submerged many villages and sacred

Sources

++ ++ ++

Amte, Baba. “Narmada project: the case against and an alternative perspective.” Economic and Political Weekly (1990): 811-818. “Drowning a Valley – Destroying a Civilization”. Central Fact Finding Team ( May, 2015) Fisher, William F. Toward sustainable development?: Struggling over India’s Narmada River. ME Sharpe, 1995. “Project-hit protest rise in Sardar Sarovar dam height”. Times of India (10th October, 2015) Retrieved from http://m.timesofindia.com/city/ indore/Project-hit-protest-rise-in-Sardar-Sarovar-dam-height/amp_ articleshow/49298796.cms Ram, Rahul N. “Benefits of the Sardar Sarovar Project: Are the Claims Reliable?” Toward Sustainable Development? Struggling over India’s Narmada River (1995): 113-34. Roy, Arundhati. “The greater common good.” (1999). Ruitenbeek, H. Jack, and Cynthia M. Cartier. “Evaluation of Narmada Projects: an ecological economics perspective.” Economic and Political Weekly (1995): 2138-2145

Introduction

[ 21o 52’ 01.0’’ , 73o 43’ 23.1’’ ]

[ 22o 32’ 42.7’’ , 77o 57’ 30.5’’ ]

[ 21o 46’ 59.9’’ , 72o 34’ 24.4’’ ]

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Field Inventory The field trip along the Narmada River Valley took place during November 2017. The first part of the trip started in Indore and took us to the birth of the river, in Amarkantak, and then back to Jabalpur. The second part of the journey started in Vadodara and took us up to the Narmada River Delta and back to Ahmedabad. [ 22o 08’ 55.2’’ , 75o 26’ 40.2’’ ]

Narmada Field Trip

Day 01

[ ]

Day 02

Indore > Mandu: Jahaj Mahal; Darya Khan’s Tomb> Roopmati Pavilion

[]

[

]

Day 03

Sangar Lake > Jal Mahal > Jami Masjid > Darya Khan’s Tomb > Elephant Place > Rewa Kund >Baz Bahadur Palace > Roopmati Pavilion

[]

Day 04

Sangar Lake > Dol > Khalghat > Maheshwar Fort > Sahastra Dhara > Mandleshwar

Omkareshwar Dam, Canal Junction and Bridge 100 km

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Narmada Field Trip

Day 05

[ ]

[

Day 06

Omkareshwar > Indira Sagar Dam > Hanuwantiya Tapu

]

Hanuwantiya Tapu > Tawa Reservoir > Kheda Itarsi > Bison Resort

]

Day 07

[

]

Day 08

Bison Resort Madhai > Bedha Ghat > Bedaghat Fall

Marble Rocks, Jabalpur > Amarkantak 100 km

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Narmada Field Trip

Day 09

[]

[

]

Day 10

Amarkantak > Kaphildhara > Ancient Temples of Kalanchuri > Shiv Mandir > Ramghat

[

]

Day 11

Amarkantak > Chhattarpur > Bargi Dam > Jabalpur

Vadodara > Sadar Sarovar Dam > Bhadbhut > Shri Yogi Salt Works

Day 12

[ ] Shri Yogi Salt Works > Reva Sangam > Vadodara > Ahmedabad > Adalaj Stepwell > Waterside > Maninagar 100 km

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Narmada Field Trip

[ 22o 18’ 20.5’’ , 73o 11’ 11.1’’ ]

[ 22o 56’ 15.2’’ , 79o 57’ 44.2’’ ]

[ 22o 14’ 21.0’’ , 76o 35’ 02.7’’ ]

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Natural Systems

[ 21o 50’ 01.7’’ , 73o 44’ 25.9’’ ]

Nurtured by a dense network of tributaries, the Narmada Valley is rich in forested areas of high environmental value. While many of these features have been heavily transformed by the infrastructure works, the waters and natural areas along the river continue to sponsor a diverse wildlife.

Natural Systems

0 100 km

Karjan

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE Sukla

Kameri

Kharkla

Beda

Kundi

Borar

Deb

Nahall

Goi

Udai

Waterscapes: the river and its tributaries Khari

Kandr

Chorai

Karam

Man

Uri

Wagh

Hatni

Orsang

Burhner

Halon

Baniar

Sher

Shakkar

Dudhi

Denwa

Tawa

Morand

Bhaji

Ajnal

Machak

Kalamachack

Agni

Natural Systems 27

Gaur

Hiran

Tendoni

Barna

Kolar

Ambar

Sip

Kisner

Datuni

Chankesnar

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary

Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

100 km

Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary

Narmada River Delta

Protected Areas

Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary

Saptura National PArk

Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary

Supkhar Reserve Forest

Kanha National Park

Baihar Forest Range

Nainpur Forest Range

Natural Systems

Bandhavgarh National Park

Dumna Nature Reserve

Dehgaon-Bamori Range

Deltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Landscapes River Confluences Forest Lands 0

1 km

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Natural Systems

[ 22o 14’ 41.4’’ , 76o 08’ 59.8’’ ]

[ 22o 09’ 28.6’’ , 75o 26’ 48.5’’ ]

[ 23o 08’ 00.6’’ , 79o 48’ 01.1’’ ]

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Sacred rituals

[ 22o 40’ 21.1’’ , 81o 45’ 33.7’’ ]

A dense network of sacred elements punctuate the Narmada River shorelands and welcome the pilgrims during the Parikrama. Temples and ashrams to worship different divinities, kunds and ghats to engage with the sacred waters and the many rituals they hold... By drawing the spaces of worship we retrace the river itself...

Sacred Rituals

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Sacred Rituals

Bhalod to Revasagarsangam

Sindhurisangam to Bhalod

Haranphal to Sindhurisangam

Khalghat to Haranphil

Satmatra to Khalghat

Hand

Parikrama and the Sacred Places

Narmada Nagar

Maheshwar

Omkareshwar

)D ) D

D D)

Bharuch

) D (DD D ) D D) D ) )D ) D) DD) DDD D ))) D D ) )DD D ) D D D D ) D D ) D D D D D) D ) D ) D D D ( ) D DD D D ) D )D

) D ) D D ( ( ))( D) ) )( D D D( ) DD )DDDD DD D D DD) D ) D( D )D ) )D DD DD D D ) )D DD ( DD D

Khalghat Temple and Ghat

Maheshwar Fort Walled In Temple

Mandu Mithitalay 0

100 km

Bharuch

Nareshwar

Tilakwada

Garudeshwar

Katpor

Koteshwar

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE Parikrama

Ratan Sagar

Akaleshwar

Bholad

Maheshwar

Parikrama

Rajpipla

Prakasha

Badwani

Omkareshwar

Dudhisangam to Hosangabad

(

D D DD D

(

D) DD D ))) (( ((( (

DDD

((D (

DD DD D DD D ( (

Parikrama Ashrams

Mandaleshwar

Badwah

Nemawar

Badhuni

Amarkantak Kund

Bareli Parikrama

Parikrama Harda

) ) )D ) D (

Omkareshwar Ghat

Hoshangabad

Pipariya

D (

Amarkantak

DD DD DDD DD (

D) D D D ( D D DD) )

) ( (DD)( D

DD D D ( )( ) ( D( D ( D )( D) D ( (

Mandla

DD )

D D DD( D(

D D ) ( DD( (

Kerpani to Dudhisangam Kerpani to Dudhisangam Devganv to Temarsangam Kukkuramath to Devgamv Amarkantak to Kukkuramath

Hoshangabad

D )

Hosangabid to Handiya

Jabalpur

diya to Satmatra

Barmanghat

Jabalpur

Sacred Rituals

Narsinhpur

Shahpura

Jogi Tikariya Parikrama

Maharajpur

Amarkantak Dindori

Temples Ghats Sacred Waterscapes

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Sacred Rituals

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Sacred Rituals

[ 22o 09’ 28.6’’ , 75o 26’ 48.5’’ ]

[ 21o 42’ 1.37’’ , 72o 35’ 21.4’’ ]

[ 22o 08’ 24.3’’ , 76o 34’ 56.14’’ ]

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Urban Traces Old and new urban traces inhabit the shores of the Narmada River. From contained historic cities to disorderly and fast growing new ones, the riverfront continues to attract development and activities. In the shores of the new reservoirs, the traces of urbanization take the shape of touristic resorts, recreational areas and power plants. Each state sponsors a different imaginary of prosperity. [ 22o 06’ 7.2’’ , 76o 31’ 5.45’’ ]

Urban Traces

Boundaries: State and Watershed Divisions

Gujarat

196023 km2 6 districts in Narmada Basin 8.5% of Narmada Watershed

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE 0

100 km

Madhya Pradesh

308,253 km2 26 districts in Narmada Basin 89.7% of Narmada Watershed

Maharashtra

307,714 km2 1 districtsUrban in Narmada TracesBasin 1.8 % of Narmada Watershed

0 100 km

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Khandwa

Omkareshwar

Sanaward

Bhikangaon

Mhow

Pithampur

Khargone

Dhar

Anjad

E E

Barwani

Chicord

Alirajpur

Chhota Daipur

Dediapa

Bodeli

E E

Rajpipla

E E

Netrang

Sinor

Palej Karjan

Bharuch

390 km2 1,994,397 people

Indore

225 km2 2,065,771 people

Vadodara

Cities: urbanization patterns

E E

Urban Traces

E E E E

Amarkantak

E E

Dindori

Bamhni

Mandia

Ghansor

Narsinghpur

E E

Kareli

Gadarwara

Bankheri

Piparija

Bareli

EE E

Soghangpur

Bari

Itarsi

E E

Hoshangabad

E E

Seoni Malwa Obaidullaganj

Rehti

Nasrullahganj

Timarni

Harda

E E E

374 km2 1,567,564 people

Jabalpur

285 km2 1,798,218 people

Bhopal

Cities Towns Villages 0

1 km

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Urban Traces

100 km

Sardar Sarovar Inter-Basin Transfer

Par - Tapi - Narmada

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE To Mahl, Sabarmati & West Flowing Rivers of Kutch & Saurashtra

E E

Surat Smart City

Smart City

Indore

Delhi - Mumbai Industrial Corridor

Interstate Plans

Bargi Dam Diversion Inter-Basin Transfer

Urban Traces

To Ganga Basin

E E

Smart City

Jabalpur

Smart City

Bhopal

[ 22o 17’ 33.9’’ , 76o 28’ 21.09’’ ]

[ 22o 21’ 02.4’’ , 73o 12’ 16.4’’ ]

[ 22o 12’ 26.3’’ , 76o 03’ 49.6’’ ]

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Mechanizing the river [ 22o 16’ 51.6’’ , 76o 28’ 23.9’’ ]

Extending the natural Narmada River watershed to very distant confines, a dense network of infrastructure elements carry life for thousands of kilometers providing irrigation to the endless agricultural fields, powering emerging industries, and instigating new urban possibilities.

Infrastructure

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Infrastructure

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE Energy Features Power Production Started 2007 Installed Capacity of 520 MW

Energy Features Power Production Started 1998 Installed Capacity of 400 MW

Energy Features Phased Construction Began 2004 1,450 MW Installed Capacity Madhya Pradesh 57% Maharashtra 27% Gujarat 11%

100 km

Features Construction Began: 2003 Length: 949 m Height: 33 m

Omkareshwar Dam

Features Construction Began: 1992 Length: 3,123 m Height: 36 m Spillway: 82,083 m3

Maheshwar Dam

Features Construction Began: 1961 LengthL 1,210 m Height: 163 m Capacity: 9,500,000,000 m3

Sardar Sarovar Dam

Dams and Canals

Energy Features Power Production started: 1998 6.75 MW Rated Capacity 20 % Over Capacity

Energy Features Power Production started: 2004 1.000 MW Rated Capacity

Energy Features Power Production started: 1988 45 MW Rated Capacity 20 % Over Capacity

Infrastructure

Capacity: 141,547 m3

Features Construction Began: 1975 Length: 5357 m Height: 69.8 m

Bargi Dam

Features Construction Began: 1956 Length: 1,815 m Height: 57.91 m

Tawa Dam

Features Construction Began: 1983 Length: 653 m Height: 92m Capacity: 12,200,000,000 m3

Indira Sagar Dam

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

100 km

Indira Sagar Dam Bridge

Omkareshwar Dam Bridge

Canal Bridge

Dam Bridge

Rail Bridge

Bridges

Pushkar Sarovar Dam Bridge

Canal Bridge

Bargi Dam Bridge

Infrastructure

Rail Bridge

Dams Bridges Energy 0

1 km

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Infrastructure

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Infrastructure

0 100 km Livelihood Fishermen Affected: 25,000 Displacement: 20km Lack of Fresh Water Flow

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE Resettlement Villages Affected: 30 Families Displaced: 11,232

Resettlement Villages Affected: 61 Families Displaced: 35,000

Resettlement Total Villages Affected: 230 Madhya Pradesh: 178 Gujarat: 19 Maharashtra: 33 Total Families Displaced: 32,684 Madhya Pradesh: 23,614 Gujarat: 4,763 Maharashtra: 4,307

Affected Land Submerged Land: 93 km2 Forest Land: 58 km2

Omkareshwar Dam

Affected Land Submerged Land: 57 km2

Maheshwar Dam

Affected Land Submerged Land: 377 km2 Forest Land: 135 km2 Agriculture Land: 113 km2

Sardar Sarovar Dam

Affected Land Delta Area: 40 km2 Intertidal Zone Lost: 50 km2 Width Flow Before Dam: 250-300 km Width Flow After Dam: 20 km

Narmada Delta

Landscape Impacts

Resettlement Affected Villages: 44 Families Displaced: 4,145

Resettlement Villages Affected: 211 Families Displaced: 11,232

Resettlement Affected Villages: 162 Families Displaced: 7,000

Infrastructure

Affected Land Submerged Land: 913.5 km2 Forest Land: 414.2 km2 Cultivated Land: 443.6 km

Bargi Dam

Affected Land Submerged Land: 200.5 km2

Tawa Dam

Affected Land Submerged Land: 913.5 km2 Forest Land: 414.2 km2 Cultivated Land: 443.6 km2

Indira Sagar Dam

Sardar Sarovar Project

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Located among the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat, the Sardar Sarovar Project is a multipurpose infrastructure providing irrigation, drinking water, industry water supply, and power generation. The dam is 138. 68 meters high and the total capacity of the reservoir is 9.5 km2 (214 km. max. length, 1.77 km. max. width, and 140 m. depth). Through the 460 km long Narmada Main Canal, along with thousands of kilometers of subsidiary canals, the dam irrigates distant command areas in Gujarat and Rajasthan. The Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal (NWDT) was constituted in 1969 to manage the interstate disputes on the share of benefits. The Narmada Control Authority (NCA), an interstate administrative body, was created to implement the project and monitor, environmental and rehabilitation compliance. Madhya Pradesh Villages affected 193 Land in submergence (Ha) 20,822 Familiesaffected (PAF) 37,729 Population in the submergence area 48,000 families Total no of R&R sites built 88

Maharashtra 33 9,590 4,227 4,000 10 + 1 (partial)

Gujarat 19 7,112 4,500 2,000 220

Source: DROWNING A VALLEY:: DESTROYING A CIVILISATION. Report of the Central Fact Finding Teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visit to the Sardar Sarovar Project Submergence Areas in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, on 9thâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10th May, 2015.

Infrastructure

Past Recent Past Present 0

1 km

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Infrastructure

Resettlement and Rehabilitation MADYA PRADESH House

Infrastructure

Facilities

++Developed residential plot will be given to the oustee families and their Major sons/unmarried daughter. 502 m2 (60’x90’) for rural area submerge 222.95 m2 (40’x60’) only for urban area submerged ++Cash Compensation in lieu of house plots Rs.50,000/++Drinking water well/tube-well with trough. ++Electricity ++Link and approach road and drains. ++Primary School ++Playground/Children’s Park ++Panchayat Bhawan-cum-Community Hall ++Dispensary ++Tree Platform ++Pond, wherever feasible ++Any other facility such as middle school which was existing in the affected village and its improvement

Sacred Economy

++ Place of Worship ++Cremation & burial ground ++Seed Store ++Cattle shed ++Threshing ground ++Ear marking of pasture land and its improvement.

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

GUJARAT

MAHARASHTRA

++Residential plot of 502 m would be given free of charge to the oustee families and their major sons. ++Free ready made core house/financial assistance of Rs.45000/for construction of core house to the oustee families and their major sons. ++Drinking water well with trough for every 50 families. ++Electrification, water supply, sanitary arrangements etc. ++Each colony should be linked to main road by appropriate standards. 2

++One primary school (3 rooms) for every 100 families ++One childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s park for every 500 families.

++Residential plot of 502 m2 would be given free of charge to the oustee families and their major sons and unmarried major daughters. ++Free Mangalore tiles and bamboos. ++Drinking water well with trough for 50 families. ++Electricity supply. ++Open gutters. ++Public Latrines. ++Approach and internal roads. ++ One Primary School (3 rooms) for 100 families ++One childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s park for 500 families. ++Playground for School (1Acre / Primary and 2Acre/ secondary)

++One Panchayat Ghar for every 500 families

++One Panchayat Ghar for 500 families ++Samaj Mandir(cultural centre) for 500 families

++One dispensary for every 500 families

++One health dispensary for 500 families.

++One tree platform for every 50 families. ++One village pond for every 500 families.

++One tree platform for every 50 families. ++One village pond for 500 families ++S.T. Stand

++One religious place of worship for every 500 families. ++One seed store for every 500 families

++Cremation/burial ground. ++One seed store for 500 families ++Open place for collection of animals. ++Khalwadi (Threshing platform) ++Grazing Land. Infrastructure ++Open Place for Bazaar.

76o 03’ 09’’ longitude

[

Omkareshwar 2017_11_16

] DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Omkareshwar

At the confluence of Narmada’s sacred and mechanized landscapes, Omkareshwar millennial-long revered pious territory is juxtaposed by its transformation to a landscape of extraction. The Omkareshwar dam sits on this dividing line and its physical presence is a constant reminder of its contribution to the development of the nation. Contrarily, the temple, the ghats and several other religious symbols share temporal bell sounds and worship songs, a constant reminder of the sacredness of the landscape that was.

22o 14’ 44.1’’ latitude

Omkareshwar

Ghats

Power Station Bridge Pedestrian Bridge Dam

Hanuman Temple

Shiva Temple

Ram Temple

Power Station

Omkareshwar Dam

Foot Bridge Access to Foot Journey

Omkareshwar Mahadev Lord Shiva Temple

Basti Urban Area

Parikarama Path Journey by foot

Maheshwar Ghats Access to Boat Journey

Sangam River _Junction

Boat Journey

Market Shelters

Rituals on the ghats

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Sacred Grounds

The small triangular plateau of Omkareshwar is the physical manifestation of “OM” on earth, and its location on the navel of the Narmada holds a deep spiritual dimension. The city is home to one of the Hindu God Shiva’s twelve transcendent lingas, an important site for the Narmada Parikrama. Pilgrims often begin and finish their parikrama here. At Omkareshwar Kaveri, the sangam (sacred river junction) contributes to the landscape piety and the narrow deep valley on the southern slopes forms the Gau Mukh (cow’s mouth), a sacred landscape. Omkareshwar Mahadev

Omkareshwar

Representation of the island of Omkareshvara in the form of the “OM” in the center of the Narmada. Source: Cremin, Emilie. “OMKARESHVARA, A HOLY CITY OF THE NARMADA IN THE COURSE OF TRANSFORMATION.” (2005).

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Omkareshvara-Mandhata Myth “Suta said: Listen to the origin of Omkara. Once upon a time, the great wise man Narada who was accustomed to offering his devotion to Shiva, in the form of Shiva-linga in the Gokarna Mahabalesvara temple (a holy city close to Goa). From there he visited the Vindhyachala Mountain. He met Vindhya who received him with all the necessary honors. The wise Narada observed that Vindhya seemed very proud of himself, having regarded himself as perfect in every consideration. Consequently Narada, exasperated by this pride, took a deep breath. When Vindhya noticed it, he asked: “What defects did you see in me to take such a long breath?” Narada answered: “You have everything in you, but Mount Meru is higher than Vindhyâchala, and he has his place among the gods; that is not true in your case!” Having said these words, the wise Narada disappeared and returned to Gokarna. Vindhya took the measure of the observations of

the wise one; he understood his shortcomings as weaknesses and imperfections, and decided to put an end to it. He then started to devote himself to austerity (tapasya) in order to be blessed by Shiva. He was given up to the will of his lord and adored him. As the turbulent Narmada River produced the sacred sound of “OM” while passing through the rocks, Vindhya installed on the banks where Omkara is now located a Shiva-linga which he manufactured out of earth. There he remained motionless and was lost in deep meditation, venerating the lord for six months. Satisfied with his pure and sincere devotion, Shiva appeared to him revealing his blazing form and asked him to express a wish. Filled with joy, Vindhya prostrated at his feet and said to him: “You are for your faithful always full with grace and kindness. My lord, I beg you to grant your divine directive and your wisdom to me, in order to carry out all my desires. I would be forever grateful

Omkareshwar

Mountain Range of Vindhya

Narad Muni

Lord Shiva

Lindaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Formed in the Kunds

The landscape of Omkareshvara is punctuated by symbols of faith. The Narmada and the temples constitute these markers registering Hindu culture in the landscape.

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

to you for your blessing. (He asked among other things to grow to the height of a mountain.). Shiva was somewhat disturbed by this egoistic request. He thought that his blessing could be misused. He answered, “Ô! Vindhya, you are the Master among all the mountains. Now your desires are accomplished! But take care that your thoughts and your actions do not bring any misery to others.” The devas and rishis then requested Shiva to remain forever on the Vindhyachala. Shiva agreed and created two lingas. The first one who appeared in person is known as Omkareshvara. The sound of the Pranava “OM” is present there in its subtle form. The second linga called Amaleshvar is in the form of Sada Shiva, the eternal

lord” (Khanna, 2003). This popular myth enables us to know and explain the origin of Omkareshvara. Shiva would have marked the territory of his presence by giving to the island the form of an ― OM and by depositing a linga there in charge of his presence. The etymology of the toponym ―Omkareshvara is made up of several sacred terms: On one hand that of the Pranava ―OM,then that of ―OMkara which is one of the thousands of names of Shiva. ― Eshwara means ―to live inside.The whole of this toponym would mean ―residence of Shiva.” These stories have been quoted from - Cremin, Emilie. “OMKARESHVARA, A HOLY CITY OF THE NARMADA IN THE COURSE OF TRANSFORMATION.” (2005).

Omkareshwar

Omkareshwar Temples Sangam Ghat Mukteshwar Mahadev Mandir Radha Krishna Temple Gayatri Temple

++ +

Kedareshwar Temple Hanuman Mandir Shiva Statue Ram Mandir Temple Abhay Ghat Nagar Ghat Omkar Mutt Ram Ghat Omkareshwar Mahadev Temple Vikat Hanuman Mandir Siddhinath Temple Gau Ghat Ghat Mamleshwar Mahadev Temple Sri Gajanan Maharaj Temple Shulbed Mata Mandir Kuber BhandariMandir

JOUR

++ +

JOURNEY BY FOOT

RNEY BY BOAT

+ + +

+ +

Journey by foot Journey by boat Interface

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Omkareshwar

Om Parvat

Sangam

Gau Ghat

Sacred Routes

JOURNEY BY BOAT

JOURNEY BY FOOT Ghats Temples Start Points Old Fort Sacred Water Sacred Land Journey by Foot Journey by Boat

Land Alteration

Canal Origin

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Power Grid

Mechanized river waters At Omkareshwar, the Narmada waters follow a carefully curated choreography enabled by a dense network of infrastructures regulating flow, extracting energy, and moving matter. The Omkareshwar Dam

Omkareshwar

Omkareshwar Infrastructures

Location Mandhata, Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh Construction began..... 2003 Opening date............... 2007 Construction cost........ 3539.16 Crores Operator(s).................. NVDA

The island of Omkareshwar is a formed by the branching of Narmada. It has an undulating terrain with steep slopes that rise 150 m above the river.. The summit of these hills, offer a panoramic sight the Narmada and its beautiful landscapes. The construction of the dam and the regimes of water control have over the years led to the erasure of these river territories.

Omkar Hills

Foot Bridge Sangam

Power Station Commission date.......................................... 2007 Turbines...................... 8 Ă&#x2014; 65 MW Francis-type Installed capacity.................................... 520 MW

Dam and spillways Type of dam.............................................. Gravity Impounds..................................... Narmada River Height............................................... 33 m (108 ft) Top of Dam........................................... 205.74 m Length......................................... 949 m (3,114 ft) Length of Spillway................................. 351.13 m

Reservoir Total capacity...........141,547.8 m3 (115 acre/ft) Active capacity............... 27,877 m3 (23 acre/ft) Catchment area......... 4,880 km2 (25,050 sq mi) Total area of submergence................... 93 sq km Forest area submerged............................ 5800 ha Villages submerged.. 30 and 50,000 inhabitants

Canals Gross commanded area................ 1.715 lakh ha Length of canals....................................... 392 km

KAVERI RIVER

OMKAR PARVAT

NARMADA RIVER

2001

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Omkareshwar

2017

NARMADA RIVER

KAVERI RIVER

DAM

OMKAR PARVAT

Omkareshwar Dam Infrastructure Impacts

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Omkareshwar

Canal Conditions

Omkareshwar Dam

Maheshwar Dam

Canal Network

canal

Reservior

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Omkareshwar

Premgarh

Sitavan Dhavrikund

Omkareshwar Dam

Submergence

Narm

r ive R a

Rampura Selanighat

Dhavrikund

Satmatra

Punasa Vayphal

Ka v

i R ive r

OMKARESHWAR

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Lakarkot

Pamakheri Kaladev

Indrasagar Reservior

Balkeswar

Balri

Indrasagar Dam

Bijalpur

OLD PARIKARMA ROUTE Narmadāparikramā SACRED PLACES Tirthsthal

Balvara

SUBMERGED VILLAGES PROTECTED FOREST

Omkareshwar

BACK WATERS

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Places submerged in the Omkareshwar Reservoir

Village of Bakhatgar, located in the flood zone of the Child takes his herd of goats to graze in the forests and on Omkareshvara dam reservoir. the country roads around Bakhatgar, a village located in the Source: CREMIN Emilie, January 2005 Omkareshvara dam flood zone. Source: CREMIN Emilie, January 2005.

Fisherman on his flat-bottomed boat near the village of Bakhatgar upstream of Omkareshvara. Source: CREMIN Emilie, January 2005.

These stories have been quoted from - Cremin, Emilie. “OMKARESHVARA, A HOLY CITY OF THE NARMADA IN THE COURSE OF TRANSFORMATION.” (2005).

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

Sātmātrā Dhavrikund

Here the rishi Vālmīka has done penance. At that time Sītā came along with Lava and Kuśa and Vasistha with Arundhatī. For their protection the 64 yoginīs and 52 bhairavas were also present. Large statues of all of them are still to be found here. The Narmadā herself came here to meet Sitā. Her current broke through the mountain and is still flowing through a chasm in the mountain. In its current there are the Sītākund, Rāmkund and Laksmankund. This place is the main tīrth for the practitioners of yoga.

This place is also called Dhārātīrth.Here the Narmadā destroyed the pride of parvatrāj Vindhyācala by forming numerous streams and falling violently down about 25 feet over large rocks. It is said that, in order to destroy the pride of Vindhyāñcala, the Narmadā manifested herself in this spectacular view. The beauty of this place must be seen with one’s own eyes–it cannot be described. On the south bank stands the temple of Dhāreśvara Śiva. In old times, Bānāsura made one karor śivalingas and worshipped them. Then he threw all the lingas he had made into the Narmadākund and {ever since} divine śivalingas come out of the Dhāvrīkund.

Lakarkot

Sitavan

Once upon a time, two thākurs attained siddhi here. A fort and the temple here at Kotkherā were built at that time and still show their old appearance. The descendants of the two thākurs are now under the authority of the Bhīl rājās of Sailānī {opposite on the north bank}. The Sātmātrā temple is oriented towards the north.

There is a large cakrakund in the middle of the Narmadā. In the Dhāvrīkund, Śiva lives in the form of a bānalinga. The Narmadā has created this cakrakund as a place where rubbish, wood etc. can be throwninto, which in the rainy season will be washed away by the abundance of water. The rubbish and wood, which comes with the current in the rainy season, does not reach the Dhāvrīkund, but accumulates here in the cakrakund. For this purpose, the māī herself has created this kund. Omkareshwar

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- Project conceived

- Detailed project report

- National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), set up - NHCP looking for funding to sponsor Omkareshwar project

2003

1989

1983

1965

Indian Institute of Science, Bangaloreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s report on Indira Sagar and Omkareshwar reservoirs concludes that 40 percent of the dam command area will be waterlogged

Rehabilitation Policy - land owning family losing more than 25% land entitled to land for land compensation - long term encroachers at par with land owners - villages to be resettled as communities - Each person whose land is being acquired for purposes of the project is considered a project-affected person. - If an oustee family expressly wishes to receive cash in lieu of land, it must submit an application to this effect to the Land Acquisition Officer. If an oustee family belongs to the Scheduled Tribes (Adivasi) and submits such an application, the District

- Planning document - NVDA - 3024 families affected ( 15,120 persons from 30 villages ) - Underestimated numbers, research shows atleast 50,000 people affected

Collector must verify that cash compensation will not adversely affect the interests of the family - The project authorities are responsible for the transportation of families from the area of submergence to the relocation sites and the entire expenditure for transportation will be met by the project. Civic amenities (electricity, school, temple, dispensary, seed store etc.) are to be provided at the new site

EIA legal requirement for large dams

NHDC ( Narmada Hydroelectric Development Corporation) was formerd. It constitutes the Madhya Pradesh Government and the National Hyrdoelectric Power Corporation (NHCP). NHDC finances the construction and operation of the Indira Sagar Project and the Omkareshwar project

- Pathianji 70 families evicted by force for inauguration ceremony - villagers were forced to break down their homes and pay for transport to rehabilitation sites - community not resettled in one place - all key provisions of state resettlement policy violated - 3 months after resettlement houses were still makeshift tents - no electricity or none of the civic ammenities - contaminated water supply at one site - NHDC shows no willingness to address problems , official falsely states land for land compensation hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been applied because people have opted for cash compensation - Detailed project report states that most displaced people opt for land for land compensation

Project commences Corruption practices in connection with project - bribes during surveying process - corruption in compensation payments NHDC - No EIA for Omkareshwar only Environment Management Plan Submergence of 2471 to 5829 hectares of forest including one the last pristine stretches of riparian forest along Narmada

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

2000

1994

1985

1975

Second suspension bridge made by NHDC to facilitate the movement of pilgrims during festivals This registered as a mark of progress in the sacred landscape of the city

Level of water in Omkareshwar reaches 189 m , villagers of Gunjari continue protest

Adivasis, farmers, fisher folks and thousands of people displaced by the dam and canal projects of Sardar Sarvoar, Jobat and Indira Sagar and Omkareshwar begin an indefinite dharna at the Narmada Control Authority (NCA) office in Indore

Rain paucity causes water to reduce to 1 m in Omkareshwar Dam hitting power generation. Madhya Pradesh High Court stays the construction and land acquisition for canals of the Omkareshwar and Indira Sagar dams as State authorities did not seek approval or inform the gram sabhas of the villages concerned.

Farmer and adult son to be provided with agricultural land for land with a minimum allotment of 5 acres of irrigated land as per the Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) Plan, R&R policy and Government of India approvals. Water level canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be raised beyond 189 m till R&R of all the oustees of the project and the allotment of Omkareshwar land is completed

Outsees of the Indira Sagar and Omkareshwar dams protest against government apathy towards their rehabilitation and relief.

2009

NBA - Omkareshwar dam affected villagers hold a rally to mark the beginning of their struggle

2007

2004

Power minister meets villagers who have been protesting in neck deep waters against raising the dam height

affected

Center files and affidavit in the Supreme Court accusing the Madhya Pradesh government of not submitting the Command Area Development (CAD) plan before resorting to land acquisition and excavation for the Indira Sagar and Omkareshwar canals.

Thousands of dam outsees organized a demonstration to demand a better resettlement and rehabilitation deal

Supreme Court allows Madhya Pradesh government to close sluice gates of Omkareshwar Dam to fill reservoir to 189m

- MIGA World Banks Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency turns down application for Omkareshwar Dam - Standard Chartered, Credit Lyonnais and ABN AMRO banks and other Export Credit Agencies considering support for Omkareshwar Dam.

4000

Thousands of dam outsees organized a demonstration to demand a better resettlement and rehabilitation deal

Supreme Court asks Madhya Pradesh government and NHEC to maintain water level in Omkareshwar at 189 m to prevent submergence of villages

Rastriya Hindu Sangathan led by Ramesh Saul organizes demonstrations to stop construction of the dam

Jan Chetna and Chetavni rally People affected by the Omkareshwar, Indira Sagar, Sardar Sarovar, Man, Upper Veda, Tawa and Bargi dams vowed to continue the struggle to protect their rights

NBA - Dharna and rally of over 12000 outsees of Indira Sagar and Omkareshwar dams with NBA activists

Demonstration farmers

2010

2008

2006

Protest march by people from over 400 villages affected by 6 large dams in Narmada Valley 5000- 6000 houses excluded from land acquisition and rehabilitation in Indira sagar and Omkareshwar projects construction speeded without meeting targets

105

2014

Thousands of people take out a rally in Omkareshwar to announce a Jal Satyagrah against the Madhya Pradesh government's decision to raise the water level in the dam to 193 meters. The Grievance Redressal Authority directs the Narmada Hydroelectric Development Corporation (NHDC) and the Madhya Pradesh government to compensate the oustees with ‘land for land’ after examining the applications and the Supreme Court order of May 11, 2011.

Group of 50 peopl launch a Jal Satyagrah or protest in water to oppose the government’s decision to raise the water level in Omkareshwar dam on Narmada river

250 people affected by Omkareshwar dam project stand in waist deep waters even as water levels continue to rise. The outsees are protesting the decision to raise the height of the Omkareshwar dam to 193 meters.

Thousands to outsees and activists stage protest in front of the Narmada Valley Development Authority (NVDA) , against the delay in rehabilitation of evictees of five dams.

2013

The Madhya Pradesh promises that the filling of the Omkareshwar dam poses no threat to human life even as the Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission (MPHRC) directed the government to ensure the safety of the protesters. Oustees of the Omkareshwar Dam project call off their jal satyagraha on Monday after the Madhya Pradesh government accepts all their demands and constitutes a ministerial committee to look into their grievances

Satyagrah against raising dam water levels in Omkareshwar

Heavy rainfall leads to flooding in 24 of Madhya Pradesh's 51 districts. 106 people die with 300 odd heads of cattle and submergence of 15,581 hectares of farms and 26,861 homes. Narmada crosses danger mark armed forces have been called for relief.

DAM[N]ED: MECHANIZING A SACRED RIVER LANDSCAPE

2015

Young girls from submergence-affected villages of the Omkareshwar Dam Project participate in a two-day fast and a rally to appeal to the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan to ensure a safe and certain future for them

2012

2011

The National Alliance of People Movements (NAPM) urges the Centre to dissuade the Madhya Pradesh government from excavating huge canals for the Indira Sagar and Omkareshwar dams through the very villages that fall in the submergence zone of the mega Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP).

The Struggle Continues in the Valley

All news excerpts have been taken from The Hindu and Cremin, Emilie Right side Image source - India today Omkareshwar

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