IN AN attempt to resolve the Narmada controversy, the Centre decided on Wednesday to hold a meeting of the Narmada Review Committee (NRC) on April 15 to review an earlier decision to raise the height of Sardar Sarovar dam.
The Narmada Control Authority (NCA) had earlier decided to increase the dam height from the existing 110.64 metres to 121.92 metres.
Sources said the NRC is likely to go in for a status quo on the dam height until all rehabilitation plans were put in place.
This may also placate the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) activists, led by Medha Patkar. Water Resources Minister Saif-ud-din Soz will chair the NRC meet in which the chief ministers of states concerned -- Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra -- and Union Union Environment Minister A Raja are also expected to participate.
During the meeting, Soz will present his report submitted to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
“Now that the Authority decision is under review, Medha Patkar should see reason... She should give up her fast,” Soz told reporters here.
On Wednesday, the NBA served an ultimatum to the government to decide within 48 hours on the issue of increasing the dam height.
{{/usCountry}}On Wednesday, the NBA served an ultimatum to the government to decide within 48 hours on the issue of increasing the dam height.
{{/usCountry}}The decision on convening the NRC meeting was taken at a Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs meet, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
On March 8, the NCA had decided to increase the dam height, which led to an agitation by the NBA and an indefinite fast by Patkar.