Furious over Gujarat government's move to raise the height of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) activists led by Medha Patkar on Tuesday staged a dharna outside the
Social Justice Ministry, saying it went against the Supreme Court directions. "The apex court had directed that the height of the dam can be raised to 122 metres only if their is proper rehabilitation of the affected people, which has failed to happen," Patkar said.
Around 200 people led by Patkar were stopped by the police at the gates of the Shastri Bhawan that houses the Social Justice Ministry as they tried to barge in to meet the Minister Meira Kumar.
Later a delegation led by Patkar and comprising columnist Praful Bidwai and social activists Swami Agnivesh met Kumar. But dissatisfied with her reply, the demonstrators refused to leave the premises till they got a "final answer".
"We want a final answer. Meira Kumar says the ministry's secretary heads the working group on relief and rehabilitation. We want the Secretary to meet us and answer our questions," said Patkar.
"There should be vigilance inquiry into the manner in which the land was distributed. The land mafia gained, while the real sufferers failed to benefit," she added. Addressing the gathering, Agnivesh called on the UPA government to ensure justice to the affected people.
"There should be vigilance inquiry into the manner in which the land was distributed. The land mafia gained, while the real sufferers failed to benefit," she added. Addressing the gathering, Agnivesh called on the UPA government to ensure justice to the affected people.